Growing Up in Santa Cruz September

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SEPTEMBER 2018 alwayS fREE visit us at www.growingupsc.com

INSIDE:

7 How to Pay 10 for College 11 Dangerous Apps to Schools 25 &Guide After School from nfl to soquel


2 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018


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September 2018 • Vol. 21 • No. 7 Growing Up in santa cruz copyright 2018. printed in the United states. the contents of this publication are meant as information only and should not take the place of a medical doctor’s recommendations. all views expressed represent those of the individual authors. all rights reserved. reproduction in whole or in part, in any form, electronic or otherwise is prohibited without permission. this publication does not knowingly accept deceptive or misleading advertising. GUisc is printed on recycled paper and uses all soy based inks.

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 3


s ’ r o i t ed note Dear Readers, Soquel High football players are thrilled to have former NFL player Dwight Lowery coaching them. How could they not be? It’s a trend we’d like to see at all levels of education – people who have been successful in their fields coming back to share their knowledge with the community. We see it at both local colleges, where teachers who have been successful in their industries are mentoring students with what they learned in the worlds of business, science, film making and computer tech, to name a few. We see it in the art students are producing in schools around the county, something we will feature more of in the printed paper and online. We see it in the high school theater presentations we’ve attended where performances were not that far from what people are seeing from professional theater companies. One of the goals of Growing Up in Santa Cruz is to highlight the best of what Santa Cruz students are learning from pre-school through college. Send in your nominations for best teachers and classes and we will write about them in future issues. You should also check out information in this issue on dangerous websites being frequented by teens, how to best pay for college, with the state’s help and how to properly put on a car seat. Big Box Extinction Despite living in a community that once fought against big box stores, we

are saddened by the loss of three big ones the past weeks. Sears and Orchard Supply are leaving and Toys R Us is gone. We bought a lot in those places and it’s hard to look at the holes they may leave in the community for jobs and customer service. Nothing on the Internet will beat the pleasure for kids of trying out an unimaginable amount of toys at Toys R Us. Is that business moving over to smaller, local stores? We hope so. Remember when Santa Cruzans fought against Costco? You’d be hardpressed to find someone now who wishes it wasn’t here. We are nervous about the Capitola Mall, which is more than just a retail site, but a place for the community to gather, stroll and celebrate holidays on an indoor main street. Yes, people are getting deals shopping on line, but where can they walk around safely with their kids and find cheap eats and free places to play in good or bad weather? What should they do with that space? See their request on the letters page. at said, we take some hope in the dawning of a new era of smaller retail areas. e new downtown Aptos will boast local chains, such as the Penny Ice Creamery, Sockshop & Shoe Company, Cat & Cloud Coffee, New Leaf and a top-rate restaurant by David Kinch. We see similar revivals in Midtown and Pleasure Point. Some say that’s the future. A lot of big shopping will be done online, but there will still be great places for unique community-based business. What do you think?

– Brad Kava

About the Cover: photographer Kevin painchaud and writer bryce stoepfel caught coach dwight lowery on the field with the soquel high football team during summer practices. the former pro returned to his community after traveling the country playing at the sport’s top level. We welcome him back. Cover Photo by: Kevin painchaud 4 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018


advice

Time for a Digital Health Check-Up By Nicole M. Young, MSW

Before my son left for college, I deleted the settings on his phone that limited late-night use and access to certain apps and web sites. I’d set those limits so many years ago (when it was necessary for my sanity) that I’d forgotten about them. Changing the settings was a small task but huge reminder of the new life he was beginning. I still have my teenage daughter ask permission before downloading apps so we can talk about what they are and why she wants them. I usually say yes, but often ask, “Why?” repeatedly. As in, “Why would anyone want an app that mimics slime?” I still don’t undersand her answer, but I like knowing what goes on in her digital world. This monthly column provides tips for anyone who is raising children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, email me at triplep@first5scc.org. Dear Nicole, My kids (8, 14) are obsessed with their electronic devices. We have rules about screen time and social media, but sometimes it’s easier to let things go instead of getting into a fight. I’m worried about what they’re seeing (and doing) online, though. What can I do? – Ismael Dear Ismael, Great question! Technology and digital media (web sites, apps, social media, online video games, video streaming, etc.) have become a central part of many people’s lives – for better or worse. This is a good time to do a “digital health check-up” with your kids. Here are some tips: Talk with your kids about the digital media they’re viewing and using. Ask your kids to describe – or even show you – the videos, games, apps, and web sites on their devices and how they’re using them. Tell them you want to learn about their interests and make sure they’re being safe and responsible. Keep the conversation casual to encourage honesty. If you see something that seems unsafe or inappropriate for their ages, ask questions to understand what they’re viewing or using, then share your concerns. If needed, tell them you want to learn more about it on your own, and that content that’s clearly unsafe or inappropriate will need to be removed or blocked.

often hard for kids to understand or believe this concept, but it’s important to talk about. final thoughts: Using technology and digital media safely and responsibly are important skills for kids to develop. And, as we teach our kids these skills, they could probably teach us a lot about using technology in new and interesting ways.

ask nicole

Revisit the family rules. It’s great that you have family rules – that’s an important step! If the rules aren’t being followed, it’s possible they’re too hard to remember or enforce consistently. Family rules work best when they’re limited to a few simple things that focus on what to do instead of what not to do – for example, “Finish homework before screen time,” “Turn off screens at mealtimes and bedtime,” or “Ask before downloading.” If the family rules are reasonable but you’re hesitant to hold your kids responsible for following them, try starting with one rule. Let your kids know you’ve been relaxed about the rules and are working on being consistent. Review the rules together and see if they have questions or suggestions. Talk about what will happen if they don’t follow the rules, such as losing screen time privileges. Make sure the action is something you’re willing and able to do.

to do this on their own. Talk about the “digital footprint” they create each time they share things online. Remind them that photos, texts, and comments could still be saved or used to hurt or embarrass them (or others), even years later. It’s

Nicole Young is the mother of two children, ages 14 and 18, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, the world’s leading positive parenting program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit http://triplep.first5scc.org, www.facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org.

Talk about safe and respectful online behavior. Your kids might roll their eyes or say that nothing bad has happened (or will happen) to them online – i.e. you’re overreacting. If this happens, tell them that reviewing privacy settings and guidelines for online behavior is a “digital health check-up,” like visiting a doctor before health problems occur. Review the privacy settings on their devices and talk about the benefits and risks of different settings. For instance, many apps can share the location of a mobile device, which is helpful when locating a lost phone or fun when posting on social media, but risky if kids unintentionally share their location online with strangers. Adjust the settings as needed and teach your kids September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 5


community voices

Your Letters and Thoughts please send YOUr OpiniOns tO editOr@GrOWinGUpsc.cOm pen. We got no response from the school’s principal, but one teacher sent this in:

The Capitola Mall removed its children’s play structure in the food court, a popular place for families. Now there are tables there and very few food vendors. We showed a photo of it on our new “Where is this in Santa Cruz?” feature at Growingupsc.com and asked where it was and why it was sad.

Aptos Jr. kids don’t eat here this is for teachers. Years ago parents painted it for us. Ate lunch there today beautiful view. – Liz Ettinger, via Growingupsc.com

here are some responses: It’s sad because they tore out the play area. We used to go every time it rained – Samantha, via Growingupsc.com website. That looks like the food court at the Capitola Mall. With no food and no people – Shelly, via Growingupsc.com website. I just passed by today and wondered that very thing. When my kids were little, we often went to the mall just to play here. Why would they take away something that actually brings young families to the mall? – Julie Madigan, via Growing Up in santa cruz Facebook page.

6 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

We reported about the shortage of life-saving EpiPens in schools and got some advice. the folks at the mall had an answer and are looking for your feedback: The play structure was removed due to its aging condition. We hope local families will take advantage of the many kid-friendly offerings at Capitola Mall, such as The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, Giggles N Wiggles, our new Free Game Deck (offering Giant Chess, Connect Four, and Jenga… maybe a future “Where is this in Santa Cruz” location!), and our First Wednesday Family Fun Events (themed monthly events benefitting Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support

Services with crafts, games, and fun engagements with Happily Ever Laughter fairies). Our goal is to re-activate the Food Hall as an enjoyable experience for all ages and we hope to reintroduce a new play area in future redevelopments of the center. If this is something that local families want to see in the future, please encourage them to provide feedback at https://www.capitolamallsurvey.com/. The survey will run through October. We look forward to your feedback. We printed this photo of an eyesore at Aptos Junior High, a bench that looks like an accident waiting to hap-

Our doctor gave us a prescription for Auvi-Q, which was less expensive – Laura Terrazas, via Growing Up in santa cruz Facebook page. We use Auvi-Q epinephrine instead. It’s smaller and has a hard case which makes it easier to transport. It also gives verbal instructions to the user, so anyone can follow the directions for it (epipen has a large percentage of user error) and it gets delivered to your house. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to using the epipen brand of epinephrine! – Kimberly Pinard, via Growing Up in santa cruz Facebook page.


sports

From the NFL to Soquel DwigHT LowerY iS iNSpiriNg SoqUeL HigH pLaYerS By Bryce Stoepfel

In new Soquel Knights head coach Dwight Lowery's office two things may give a clue to his approach to high school coaching, after nine years playing safety in the National Football League–an Xbox, and a dry erase board bearing the names of 20 players ineligible to play. It's a carrot and stick approach. The list shows there are consequences to not keeping up with grades, while the video console shows there's also a place to relax, to laugh and to learn about life and football. For Lowery, coming back to Soquel was his way of using what he knows, football and training, to give back the community where he grew up. It also keeps him in football. But he knows, even after nine years in professional football, that he still has a lot to learn. “That’s the part I’m learning,” Lowery says about how he manages player eligibility. “They need to be accountable, and we need to get to the point when they’re not on that board.” The students are more than onboard. They are thrilled to work with a pro. He’s a really great guy and he knows the game,” junior linebacker Josiah Urke said. “He’s helped me learn how to play my position, and he obviously knows a lot about the game going to the NFL. I think there are a lot of eyes watching us as we work to come back as a great team, especially with him coaching the team.” Senior kicker/outside linebacker AJ Naver said he is learning more than he ever expected. “We’ve learned more than we have the past three years,”. “He teaches us the fundamentals of the game rather than show us how to run all the plays. He goes step by step and he breaks it down for us. It’s pretty cool having an NFL player coming out here.” “It’s not intimidating, it is scary when he gets mad, but that’s actually kind of comforting because it means he knows what he’s doing.” If Lowery weren’t coming home to coach his alma mater, he doubts he would be a head football coach. He is also a personal trainer and given his athletic career, credentials, and the tangible evidence of his physique, he's as qualified as anyone. Teams become champions in the offseason, and Lowery will have his players in the gym hitting the weights. “I’ve had friends in the pros who go into business or foundations, and I always wanted to get in that world, but I was always an athlete at heart,” Lowery says. "With this situation it allowed me to stay in football and at the same time

Photo by: Kevin Painchaud hOme aGain nFl veteran dwight lowery might not have coached anywhere else, but couldn’t resist taking the job back where he started, in soquel. sharing the knowledge of playing, travthing like that and to see where it went eling, meeting people and being part of after he was here for awhile, to see them organizations. I felt like I got so many compete for CCS championships not lessons as a young adolescent and young long after.” adult being in this community it only Listed at 5-feet, 11 inches, 210 made sense to come back and conpounds on NFL.com, Lowery shows tribute." that he's not far removed from the field Lowery was a multi-position and as he demonstrates a proper stance. He's multi-sport stud during his time at Sothick in the right places with not an quel High. He played defensive back, ounce of unwanted fat. He has the running back, returned kicks and punts, quick, powerful, fast muscle twitch that and started on the basketball team for led to 17 interceptions, eight forced three years. His college career began fumbles, three defensive touchdowns nearby, at Cabrillo College in 2004, and almost 400 tackles in his pro career. where he picked off 13 passes in two He is, by far, the most athletic man years. From Cabrillo, he played corneron the field. The idea of Lowery suiting back at San Jose State, earning back-toup to play would be similar to asserting back All-American awards. In 2008 the a maxed out player in Madden Football Jets selected him in the fourth round of on Xbox, against the league's perennial the NFL draft. doormats. If by some quirk of high In a league where the average player school eligibility Lowery to put on pads lasts only three years, Lowery played and return to the field at Soquel, the nine seasons for five teams: the New video game-like stats he could accumuYork Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angelate would be mindboggling. les Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Lowery takes over for head coach Atlanta Falcons. Brad Tompkins after a 4-6 season, He learned from many great coaches. where the team's defense surrendered He remembers former Jets head coach 168 points in their final four games, all Rex Ryan for his energy and how he losses. made football fun; Jets coach Eric “If we start bad, we start bad, I won’t Mangini was a no nonsense tactician; panic,” Lowery said. “I just want to imColts head coach Chuck Pagano had a prove. We need to be organized, and we passion and love of the game, and need to know we’re in the right alignChargers head coach Anthony Lynn for ments. We need to know what we’re his discipline. doing and not put kids on the field if Like his life in football, coaching inthey don’t know what they’re doing.” spiration comes back to where it started, Since his days as a player at Soquel, with Athletic Director and Soquel Head athletes have changed. To Lowery, athBasketball Coach Stu Walters, Watletes don’t take sports as seriously as they sonville High Head Coach Ron Myers, used to. and his former middle-school basketball “I think kids still love to play, and coach Mark Marengo. they like the idea, but I don’t know if “I really came here thinking I would they understand what kind of privilege it is to play,” Lowery said. “You need to play basketball,” Lowery said. “That put time and effort into it, and if you hadn’t shifted until Ron got here and don’t, you’re going to get dominated. It’s implanted his program. It felt like we a game, but you need to be committed were building something, and it felt speto playing. You need to take coaching cial to be part of something like that. It and negative reinforcement and underwas a special feeling to be part of some-

stand through these experiences you will grow as a player. That’s what football is all about.” Football itself is changing. Players are bigger and faster than ever, and coaches, players, and parents, are increasingly concerned about concussions. According to the CCS, 11-player football is still the leader in total athletes, 97,079. In 2017, that number decreased by 3.12 percent, according to a story in the Register-Pajaronian. “It’s a physical game, and the bigger and faster the players are there when you play,” Lowery said. “What I feel is lacking is a failure to learn the fundamentals. I don’t think kids should play tackle football until they get to high school. We can use flag football to teach the basic concepts of football so the players can understand the nuances of the game, like not using your helmet as a weapon. Sure you can get hurt, but something can happen anytime you walk outside.” In addition to being a coach, Lowery is a husband and father. With wife Ashley, and children Amani, 5, and Giavanna, 1, Lowery is happy to be back home. He’s seen a fair amount of the country as a player, and to him, Santa Cruz is a unique place to raise kids. “Other places seem more rigid than Santa Cruz,” Lowery said. “Being from Santa Cruz, it was a culture shock. The South is interesting, to say the least. The segregation is obvious. In Indiana, you have the white picket fences. I think Santa Cruz allows for more individuality than in other parts of the country.” This fall, the roars from the crowd under the Friday night lights won't be as loud as they are on Sundays in the NFL. This year he'll be a coach, and while Lowery won't be a player on Sundays, he'll always be a fan. "I'm not one of those guys who say they're not going to watch," Lowery said. "I've always been a fan, and the game has changed my life so much. It would be silly for me not to enjoy it." His new students are enjoying it just as much. “It’s something that you wouldn’t expect, it’s so much fun to be around,” senior defensive lineman Danny Sanchez said. “It’s an amazing thing to have him coaching me. It’s aweinspiring. He went to Soquel High, then he went to Cabrillo and San Jose State, and he made it to the big leagues. That’s what a lot of us dream of.” Former Cabrillo College journalism student Bryce Stoepfel is a reporter at the Gilroy Dispatch newspaper and a diehard Cleveland Browns fan. September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 7


fitness

on a roll TipS oN How kiDS LearN To biCYCLe By Karen Kefauver When you think about cycling, chances are good that you remember your first “real” bike and early adventures. Learning to ride is a rite of passage that grants freedom and fun. Later on, there are longer outings with friends, especially during dreamy summer days. I remember the thrill of riding miles with my friend along the C&O Canal Towpath, from Bethesda, Maryland, to Georgetown in Washington, D.C. headed to Commander Salamander, the “cool” place to shop during high school. Feeling nostalgic, I asked Santa Cruz County parents to share their tips on teaching kids how to ride a bike. What surprised me most was that training wheels and tricycles,

what my generation grew up on, are largely a thing of the past! “Skip the training wheels and use a balance bike,” said Brett Graff, father of 5-year-old Toby. “It’s a little bike without pedals and is so great for zooming around and balancing,” chimed in Toby’s mom, Jennifer Robinson. Balance bikes, also called “run bikes,” “gliders” and “Striders,” (after the brand name) are an ideal way to practice turning and coordination. For parents, the sturdy bikes offer a memorable launching point. Nothing delights me more than seeing a toddler’s adorable little legs finding their stride. While some kids might start on balance bikes as early as 18 months, some take a little longer. Tio Twohig, 8, when asked about learning to ride a bike, volunteers, “I was a late learner, but once I got the hang of it, I always want to do more.” His grandma, Lois Van Buren, says they ride together almost daily, often visiting Arana Gulch or Ocean View Park. Catherine Cervantes, mom of 8year-old Veronica, agrees that kids should decide for themselves when they are ready. “Respect where your child is at developmentally. Despite using a balance bike, riding on her dad’s bike as a toddler and the trail-a-bike, our child didn’t learn to ride a bike until she was 8,” said Catherine. “I think we felt a little desperate to get her riding, but we also wanted to honor and respect her feelings and gross-motor development related to bike riding.” “She was really disinterested in biking for years,” said Veronica’s dad, Christian Fine, an avid cyclist and bike commuter. But then, two months ago, things shifted during a second practice session. “Very quickly, she got the hang of it. She was thrilled she could do it. I was elated because it was such a relief. I wasn’t sure she was going to learn how to ride a bike at all and it’s important to me, but I didn’t want to impose on her, because of course she’s her own person. Now she wants to ride her bike all the time.” tips for parents Helmet Safety “If you want your kids to wear a bike helmet, you should also always wear a helmet. Kids aren’t dumb and if they see you without a helmet they

8 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

Veronica Fine, 8, learned to ride a bike recently, practicing in the parking lot of seacliff state beach.

tio twohig, 8, rides around town with his grandma, lois Van buren, being extra careful at intersections.

will soon ditch theirs.” – Nick Mucha

still needed to learn to ride her own bike physically, but she was super aware of road dynamics, bike safety, and how fun it can be to bomb downhill.” – Rachel Sonnenblick

Transition to traditional bike “Use a balance bike. Then when going on to a pedal bike, we got one that was easy to switch to - small enough to have both feet fully on the ground, small gear wheel for easy starts and easy hills” – Shelly Adams “The balance pedal-less bike was key. When the pedals came, we got him a bike with 12-inch wheels, so getting to the ground was easy. He balanced and pedaled the same day. As confidence was built, we gradually raised his seat so pedaling was easier. Currently, he’s 4 1/2 and rides 16-inch wheels. – Marc Sven “I warmed my kid up to biking by riding all over town with her on the back of my bike — first in a seat, then on one of those “third wheel” attachments that she pedaled on too. She

Where to practice “One thing that really helped me and then my kids learn to balance on two wheels was to try on grass first.” – Brij Lunine “Find a nice, big, empty parking lot for them to practice without worries about having other people and cars around!” – Kirsti Scott “Have the kids ride a balance bike from the top of the Twin Gates (trail off Empire Grade) all the way back to town. My kids loved riding downhill on single track. It’s only 4-5 miles and when they’re cooked or just over it, strap them on your bike kid seat and ride home.” – Ivo Obregón


entertainment aLwaYS amUSeD

what do Theme parks do when Summer is over? By Erik Chalhoub School is back in session, summer is nearly over and the weather is mild. September is here, and that means it’s one of the best times to visit a theme park. Yes, there may be fewer days and hours the parks are open, and the kids are busy with homework, but now is the time to hit the roller coasters, take a spin on the merry-goround or take a splash in the pool. Why? The crowds (or lack thereof ). Frequent park-goers know that June through August are the busiest months of the year in terms of attendance. Yet, September is that odd inbetween month when the end-of-summer lull kicks in, just before Halloween in October begins the busy holiday season in November and December. But parks are trying to keep the summer momentum going by offering a number of different events in the fall to keep those turnstiles spinning. The Boardwalk Fall Campout returns from Sept. 21-22, a unique overnight event that allows guests to camp out right along the ‘walk. The event, benefiting the American Cancer Society, includes a movie on the beach, dinner and breakfast, a sand castle contest and more. Girl and Boy Scouts can also get in the overnight fun. The Fall Girl Scout Overnight is Oct. 5-6, and its Boy Scout equivalent is Oct. 12-13. The Boardwalk also has something just for the parents. The park recently announced its first-ever “Bites & Brews,” taking place Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will pair a selection of local craft beer with dozens of Boardwalk menu items such as corn dog bites, lobster tacos, deep fried Oreos and more. Participating breweries include Discretion Brewing, East Cliff Brewing Company, Elkhorn Slough Brewing Company, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing and many others. “We’re excited to highlight our area’s best craft beers and our park’s tastiest food,” said Boardwalk event director Karley Pope. “We anticipate some epic pairings.”

Photos by: Erik Chalhoub

all niGht lOnG it’s a bit like charlie and the chocolate Factory when santa cruz kids get a chance to camp at the boardwalk all night this month. Tickets and more information for all these events can be found at beachboardwalk.com. Summer may be almost over, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still zoom down a water slide and splash into a pool. Raging Waters in San Jose is open through Sept. 9, and California’s Great America’s Boomerang Bay water park closes Sept. 3. Gilroy Gardens’ Water Oasis stays open the longest of them all, closing on Oct. 7. Speaking of Gilroy Gardens, its always-popular petting zoo has recently returned, running through Sept. 16. The park is also getting into the Halloween spirit early, as its annual “Halloween at Night” event opens Sept. 21, running through Oct. 28. So does California’s Great America, with Halloween Haunt kicking off for its 11th year on Sept. 21. With all these events still to come, are fall and winter the new “summer” in terms of attendance for theme parks? According to Cedar Fair, the company that owns 12 theme parks across the country, including California’s Great America, the chain saw a three percent decrease in attendance for July. This is after attendance during the second quarter in

2017 flattened after a record 2016. Six Flags saw a modest attendance increase during the summer of 2017. While other major theme park companies have not yet announced their summer attendance numbers for 2018, informal reports from visitors nationwide have stated that the summer season this year just didn’t seem as “packed” as it has been in years past. Some have even likened Disneyland’s summer as the “new offseason,” with rising ticket prices during that time deterring visitors. Theme parks are still a growing business, with the annual Theme Index and Museum Index report stating that attendance for Northern America parks grew by more than three million from 2016-2017. Attendance numbers have always fluctuated historically. But Cedar Fair’s announcement is something that industry followers are keeping a close eye on. Writer Erik Chalhoub has never found a roller coaster too fast or a haunted house too scary. He travels the country riding the best thrill rides. He’s a former Cabrillo College student who is now editor at the Watsonville RegisterPajaronian. September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 9


money The best way to Save for a College education THe STaTe oF CaLiForNia wiLL HeLp YoU bigLY By Steve Dinnen You know college is expensive. Some financial advisors have recommended families set aside as much as 4 percent of their annual income just to handle their child’s total college expenses. So, how do you assemble enough money now to pay for that eventual bill for room, board and tuition? Moms and dads can get a big lift up on college finances by way of ScholarShare College Savings Plan. It is a program run by the State of California that permits parents – or parents, or even friends, for that matter - to invest in stocks or bonds and hopefully earn a decent enough return to build up an adequate funding source. The beauty of it is that earnings that come out of the program are free of taxes, both at the state and federal level. “You get the benefit upon redeeming or withdrawing your money,” Julio Martinez, executive director of the ScholarShare Investment Board, told Growing Up in Santa Cruz re-

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cently. Basically, it works like this: An adult contacts ScholarShare (800544-5248, or www.scholarshare529.com) to set up an account on behalf of your future student. Accounts are opened online, or by mail. You have to decide on what kind of investment to fund. Currently there are 19 different investment portfolios, and you can choose one mutual fund, or a grouping, or a fixed income option. The most popular choices are age based, said Martinez. This selection starts out with relatively aggressive investing options in the student’s younger years and then becomes more conservative as the first day of college approaches. This approach is just like aged-based portfolios offered by many 401(k) plans. “Essentially, you set it and forget it,” said Martinez of the aged-based option. You have the ability to change the portfolio mix at any time. All the funds are managed by TIAA, the giant financial services firm that spe-

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cializes in investments for academic and government bodies. You can mail in a check, auto debit from your bank account, or set up periodic transfers. There even is a payroll deduction plan available from some employers. The smallest amount needed to open an account is $25. From there, you can contribute for one student, over the lifetime of the account, a maximum of $475,000. ScholarShare decided that was the cap based upon the anticipated cost of seven years of undergraduate and graduate-level schooling at California’s priciest college, Harvey Mudd College in Claremont (its tuition alone for the 2018-19 academic year is $56,331). But while you cannot contribute more than that amount, earnings can push it over that limit penalty free. Once your child hits college, you can withdraw money out of the program for qualifying expenses such as tuition, or student housing. The drawdowns are free of taxes, both at the federal and state level. That’s

where the relief for parents comes in. If you put aside $100,000, for instance, and over time it grew to $125,000, that extra $25,000 carries no tax consequence. Unlike some states, California does not grant any tax break to money invested upfront in these plans (they are called 529 plans after that section of the Internal Revenue Code that pertains to them). Also, California does not permit 529 plan funds to be used for K-12 expenses, which is a new option allowed at the federal level courtesy of the 2017 tax law. Overall, Californians have opened 305,000 ScholarShare accounts, with an average balance of around $29,000. While that may not get you very far at Harvey Mudd, it’s at least a dent in the bill. And it’s a recognition by state and local governments that they can encourage people to save now, and save often, for one of the most consequential investments you’ll ever make.


tech

These apps are Dangerous for Your kids

pareNTS SHoULD be warY oF wHaT’S oN THeir kiD’S SCreeNS By Steve Walters

Tech is fast. Kids are faster. If your children are using these apps, security experts say you should monitor them. They can fall into danger before they know what they’ve done. Don’t be shy about keeping a sharp eye on what sites they are visiting. Dangerous apps allow users to anonymously sent text messages, pictures, or videos. They provide user’s locations. They allow users to hide content such as pictures and videos; and they promote sexual activities or “hook ups.” here are some to look out for: liVe.me Live.Me is a popular, live-streaming video app that uses a device’s location services to share videos. Users can view and comment on live or recorded videos. A video can be viewed by anyone during the broadcast, and the broadcaster can block users, but that is often only after graphic language or content is displayed. Live.Me also allows users to purchase “coins” to gift to streamers that can be converted to actual money. Apps such as this pose a serious risk of exposing children to graphic language, sexual content, and online predators. hide it prO This app is designed to simply allow users to hide content such as pictures, videos, and notes. Sporting an innocent-looking icon, this app allows users to create a password protected photo / video album, and even an “escape” password that, when entered, opens the app but shows a fake, empty album. When you open this specific app, a screen displays a message stating the application encountered an error and must be closed. But if you swipe the screen to the right, you’re then prompted to enter the password. These types of apps are difficult to detect by design, so don’t always assume the app is what it appears to be on the surface. secret calcUlatOr Fake Vault and private photo This is another app designed to allow users to hide content under the guise of a calculator. While it truly is a working calculator, if you enter a password and press the % button, the app opens to show the hidden content. With this app, the user can hide photos, videos, and contacts. This app also has a secret browser

that allows the user to search the internet without the browsing history appearing. This could be a serious issue when trying to control content that children and teens access. This is just one of many fake calculatortype apps available to download. snap chat This is one of the most popular apps. Famous for its fun filters and photos / videos that disappear, recent updates allow users to create “stories” that make content available for 24 hours. There is a chat feature that enables users to send text and photos / videos and the app provides locations of users. This is potentially dangerous because of the chat function but also it can give children or especially teens a false sense of security in thinking that photos are deleted from the app. Remember: Once a photo or video is out in the cyber world, it is virtually impossible to delete it. Stress caution when posting pictures or videos online. asK.Fm ASK.fm is another very popular social media app with children and teens and is known for its cyberbullying. This app has been linked to multiple teen suicides. It lets users anonymously ask and respond to questions of topics from the mundane to the very risky. This app is a text only so there is very little chance for your kids to encounter nudity, but graphic and explicit language is almost a given. Many online safety advocate groups strongly recommend preventing your children from using this app. The danger of this app is the anonymity that gives users the ability to be aggressive and cruel. hOlla Holla is a video chat and dating app that randomly connects you with users across the globe and locally using the location services on your phone. The app provides multiple filters that allow users to mask their appearance, giving some level of anonymity. The idea of your children randomly talking to strangers is dangerous in and of itself. Several review sites report users dealing with graphic language, extremely sexual content, cyberbullying, and racial slurs. If your children are looking for a form of video chatting, other methods are available. Most smartphones come with a video chat function already installed.

KiK KIK is an instant messaging app that lets users send text messages, photos, videos, and GIFs. KIK doesn’t offer parental controls and it only takes an email address to create an account, so anyone can contact your child on KIK. With no parental controls, KIK has become a popular forum for teens to have sexually explicit conversations. It also makes it very easy for a sexual predator to gain access to children. If you’re going to allow your child to use an instant messaging app, reinforce the importance of not giving personal information to anyone. hOt Or nOt Hot or Not is marketed as a dating app, but it is often used as a “hook up” app and children can come into contact with people of varying ages. The app does have an age requirement of being at least 18, but it’s easy to bypass. The app works by displaying profiles of users and then you can swipe left if you don’t like the profile, or swipe right if you do like the profile, much like the very popular app Tinder works. However, where Hot or Not differs from Tinder is that users don’t have to match to send each other messages. The company does monitor profiles and nudity is very rare. But the message function is not monitored so graphic and sexually explicit language is very possible. The potential for your child to be matched with a stranger, and ability to receive uncensored messages, makes this app very risky. OmeGle Omegle is a video chat app that works almost exactly as Holla does. It connects users with random strangers, and just as with Holla, Omegle is not safe for children. Users are exposed to graphic language, drug and alcohol references, sexually explicit content, etc. Omegle not only offers their video chat platform as a mobile app, but if your child is savvy enough, Omegle also can be run via a web site from a desktop or laptop computer. Omegle offers an unmonitored option that opens up Pandora’s box when it comes to what a parent is trying to keep their children from being exposed to. This app and web site should be used with extreme caution.

YUbO This is technically considered a social media app, but it has earned the nickname “Tinder for kids.” The app was recently rebranded from the original name of Yellow. This app has earned such a dangerous reputation that it prompted the police department from Lenexa, Kans., to issue a warning about the app on their Facebook page. The app is aimed toward children ages 13 – 17 to make new friends. It works like Tinder in that a user swipes left or right to reject or connect with a user. When last checked, the app does not require any age verification so this means a predator can easily pose as a younger person to attempt to meet with children. The basic premise of this app, to assist your teenager in meeting a stranger, is a big, red flag. reddit Reddit is an app that allows users to post text messages, images, and videos anonymously. You must create an account to post, but you can view content without creating an account. This app is host to a tremendous amount of graphic and sexual content, pornography, and racially insensitive topics. Reddit has many categories or subpages they call “subreddit,” with one of their most popular subreddits being “Reddit Gone Wild” in which users post pornographic images and links to pornographic videos. Reddit does prompt a user to acknowledge that they are over 18 to view mature content by simply clicking a button, but there is no actual age verification. A teenager who is using this app basically has access to a vast library of inappropriate content. As a parent, I would strongly recommend if your child or teenager has any of these apps installed on their smartphones, the least you can do is discuss the basics of internet usage safety. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the new technology and apps that are released so often. The best way to keep your children safe is to remain diligent and continue to monitor their mobile devices. Try your best to maintain an open dialog with your children so they can come to you with questions about some of the issues they’re facing versus using an unsafe app for guidance or advice.

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 11


health

brushing, Flouride, and all the Fun Stuff By Dr. Megan

For little babies, basically after every time milk is consumed a clean and wet cloth may be used to wipe the gums. So what is exactly achieved here? Well, it is not always about teeth. We would like to eliminate any residual milk left on the gum tissue, hence eliminating a “pleasant” habitat in which cavity causing bacteria can thrive. Occasionally parents are concerned that their ritual of cleaning baby’s mouth might wake them up after all the effort of putting them to sleep. Think of this way: milk contains sugar and is capable of causing cavities and decay. Would you like an older child to go to sleep while his/her gums are covered with crumbles of brownies? Spending half a minute to a minute gently cleaning the gums and teeth after your baby drinks milk would not only save

12 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

them from harm but would save you time and money down the road. You may buy your baby’s first soft toothbrush once the first baby teeth, usually front bottom teeth, are in. Some of you might have seen dentists using a technique called “kneeto-knee” where one person holds the baby’s hands while the baby’s legs are straddled around the other person’s waist. A good one to two minutes of brushing with a soft toothbrush plus a smear layer of toothpaste followed by a wet wipe is good enough. Children’s level of cooperation improves significantly each year. You are not the cruelest parent for gently holding your baby’s head and limbs to brush their teeth for one minute. What kind of toothpaste to use? Almost on a daily basis, I’m asked what toothpaste is best. I will make it very simple for you. There are basically two types of toothpastes, those containing fluoride and those without. Taste and flavor is really up to your child. Although the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has never advised a cutoff age for the use

of fluoride and even encourages a fluoride-containing toothpaste to be used once the first teeth erupt, I am a little more easy-going and let parents decide up to 12-18 months of age on when they would like to initiate the use of fluoride. A significant number of infants are prescribed oral fluoride by pediatricians in our area, which is OK. However, beyond 12-18 months of age, I would stop prescription fluoride and switch to topical fluoride to protect the enamel. Fluoride use has become a subject of controversy. I always share a personal story when parents ask me about it. I used to go to a nutritionist to learn and adapt healthy diet habits, and although I was not a big fan of dairy products, I was banned from dairy to experiment with how my body responded. I was very happy with the experience and got hooked on almond and coconut milk with no regret. The good news is we DO have alternatives for certain “controversial” items in the world of today such as dairy and gluten. However, as of this day, we have not yet discovered an alternative for fluoride. I might add that even if we do, there will be a group attacking that alternative as well. At the end of the day, it is about balancing risks. Do we have scientific proof against fluoride’s safe use? Definitely not. Do I want to be extremely “safe” and take the no-fluoride route, and end up with my child having decay on half of

their teeth? I would rather not. Occasionally, I encounter a family that prefers no fluoride use and after I perform my exam, I would have to sadly let the parent know that the child needs a root canal therapy on one of the adult molars, silently cringing. One of the worst moments for a pediatric dentist is to see large decay so early in those permanent molars. Spend time with your child’s dentist to review all your concerns and questions. How much toothpaste? I am going to give you the wrong answer first: you should never cover all of the toothbrush bristles with toothpaste, even for yourself. It is really not needed. For a child less than 3 years old, use a “rice-size” amount of tooth paste which is basically a smear. For a child older than 3, you may use a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste (this includes yourself too!). For the little babies, always have a clean and wet cloth/gauze ready to wipe after. Dr. Mojdeh Faraz, aka Dr. Megan, is a Board-certified pediatric dentist at Pajaro Valley Children’s Dental Group. She received her DDS at NYU followed by specialty training at Jacobi Medical Center in affiliation with Albert Einstein School of Medicine. “My passion in working with children and to be part of their innocent world,” she says. Send your questions for Healthy Smiles to editor@growingupsc.com


food The Sixth annual mole Festival Hits SC Sept. 8 THe aNCieNT mix oF CHoCoLaTe aND HoT SpiCe waS aN aCCiDeNT aND Now a FavoriTe By Brad Kava

You might not expect traditional Mexican food at a place called El Chino, but that’s what Maria Joa Gallardo’s family has been producing in Soquel since 1984. e restaurant at 2525 Soquel Drive, next to Jelli Beanz, uses recipes from Mexicali, where Gallardo’s family hailed from before moving to Santa Cruz. Why El Chino? Because both of Gallardo’s Chinese grandfathers were immigrants to Mexico who married Mexican women and both of her parents are half Chinese and half Mexican. ere is a large community of Chinese immigrants in the city of 690,000 in the state of Baja California. And one of their most popular specialties—mole (which rhymes with Oh-lay)--will be on display Sept. 8 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the sixth annual Mole & Mariachi Festival at the Santa Cruz Mission Historical Park. e event offers moles from a host of Santa Cruz restaurants and tasters vote on their favorites. e event is free but mole sampling costs $10 for 6 tastes. Competitors include Margaritaville, Mama Marquita, and My Mom’s Mole. Performances will include music by Mariachi Gilroy and Mariachi Infantil Alma de Mexico, and folkloric dance by Estrellas de Esperanza and Senderos. According to legend, mole had its start in 16th century in the city of Puebla, when nuns learned that the archbishop was coming to visit and being poor, they had nothing special to offer. ey made a mix of 20 ingredients, including chocolate, which turned out exquisite with the contrast of sweet chocolate and spicy peppers. Gallardo has been in the contest before and loves the atmosphere and varieties of the exotic dish. Her restaurant’s mole, made by chef Refugio “Cuco” Bautista, is middle of the

Photos by: Brad Kava sWeet & spicY maria Joa Gallardo and daughter erica bonilla Gallardo show off their mole on chicken at el chino restaurant on soquel drive before they enter the mole contest saturday sept. 8 at the mole & mariachi Festival downtown.

road, not to spicy or sweet. It’s subtle and delicious and has attracted people coming to the big restaurant that looks like a hole in the wall since 1984. Her father and mother, Henry and Josefina Joa, started the restaurant after coming to Santa Cruz to work at Little Tampico downtown. ey started small with 10 tables and now seat 75 people. Yelp reviewer Cynthia B. from Aptos summed it up this way: “is is by far the best Mexican food I have had since moving here from San Diego. e interpretation of Mexican food is typically different in Nor Cal (which isn't bad...) But, El Chino is authentic.” at’s what Gallardo says is her signature, making authentic, fresh Mexican food, right down to the homemade chips. And, no, there are no eggrolls served here.

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 13


government CoUNTY SCoop

Finishing Leo’s Haven By Zach Friend, County Supervisor

On June 20, the Board of Supervisors was taking testimony on the proposed County budget when two children walked up to the microphone. One was 8-year-old Oliver Potts, who often uses a wheelchair to get around. The other was Cleo Roberts, age 10. They came to talk about LEO’s Haven, a proposed playground in the Mid-County area. “LEO’s Haven will be an inclusive playground, where kids like me can play with their friends,” said Oliver, smiling as he spoke. “All kids need to play!” It was Cleo’s turn. “Everyone wants the same thing, to be accepted for who they are and have a place to belong,” she said. Behind each child stood a remarkable woman, residents whom I want

14 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

to tell you about: Patricia Potts and Mariah Roberts. Each came to the issue from different perspectives – Patricia as Oliver’s mother, and Mariah as someone who wanted to save Chanticleer Park, where LEO’s Haven will be located. Both are incredibly motivated and dedicated to their commu-

nity, and they have shown us that by joining hands and working together, all things are possible. Tricia and Mariah are now on the precipice of a goal that seemed impossible when they began their journey two years ago – raising more than $2 million in private funds the build LEO’s Haven, the first all-inclusive playground in Santa Cruz County. The County is committed to matching those funds. They will likely surpass their goal in September, somewhere between Healdsburg and Santa Cruz, while Mariah is on a 220-mile fundraising bicycle ride with the Sunrise Rotary Club, one of many groups in the community that have stepped forward to help. The Human Race, Bay Federal, Kaiser Permanente, Twin Lakes Church, the Deputy Sheriff ’s Association, Lions Clubs and various hospitality and business groups have all pitched in. The Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club even “honored” me with a roast, donating the proceeds toward LEO’s Haven.

One local woman, Brenda Gutierrez-Baeza, asked for LEO’s Haven donations for her birthday, raising $200. Another contributor is the El Patio de Mi Casa group at Chanticleer Park. Led by teacher Yolanda ProvosteFuentes, the group has held yard sales fundraisers and often serves food grown at Chanticleer’s community garden at fundraising events for the park. It really does take a community to build a project like this. It also takes a commitment from County government. While we have been successful in obtaining grant funding for LEO’s Haven, the County expects to make a significant investment out of the General Fund. We are still working on identifying those funds. LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Park is one of the many unmet needs the Board has identified that must be addressed, including additional public safety, mental health and homeless services, parks maintenance and improvements and upgrades to County facilities. Our fiscal prudence has kept us from making cuts to services and programs, but there is more work to be done. We look forward to continuing to the conversation about how best unmet needs can be addressed, and how we can fulfill commitments to remarkable women like Tricia Potts and Mariah Roberts, and to the generations of children who will benefit from their work. In the meantime, please join me in congratulating them for being on the verge of making LEO’s Haven a reality. To learn more, or to donate, go to www.santacruzplaygroundproject.com As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts. Feel free to contact me at 454-2200.


arts

Ivory, 10, did this mixed media art on canvas at Cherryvale Art Farm. The underwater scene combines collage and acrylic painting.

This card is also part of the Compassionate Cards series from Tara Redwood School. Artist Ethan Ankeny just graduated from Tara and it is a watercolor and ink, 5x7.

Fifth grader Jianna Muzzio’s owl painting was done at Good Shepherd School and was on display at Cafe Ella in Watsonville. It will be displayed through the fall at Ella’s at the Airport, with other student art work.

This 5 by 6 inch acrylic and water color drawing is by Mata Overby, 9, a third grader at Tara Redwood School as part of the Creative Compassionate Cultures program. Mata says “It Is the perfection of the colors in the rainbow and it reminds her of all the colors that are represented with the CCC,” according to her teacher Lisa Dreyer-Campiglia. September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 15


safety

it’s Scary How many people buckle Up wrong CHiLD paSSeNger SaFeTY week iS iN SepTember By Michelle Spence

As a parent, you buckle your kids up for a trip in the car so often that it is easy to run through the process on autopilot, but motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children and most car crashes happen on short trips, close to home. One of the most important things a parent can do to keep their children safe is to ensure they are safely buckled up in the correct and properly installed car seat for their age and size, every single time they get in the car. Using the right seat, correctly, can mean the difference between life, serious injury, or death for your children. In 2015, 663 children ages 12 years and younger died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and nearly 132,000 were injured. In 2016, fatalities among children 12 and under riding in passenger vehicles were up by 8 percent, making it more important now than ever to make sure your children are safe and are in the right seats, and that they are being used correctly every single time. However, choosing and installing a car seat correctly, can be confusing and

overwhelming for many parents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 46 percent of car seats are misused. When used correctly, car seats decrease the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers (1 to 4 years old) in cars, and by 58 percent and 59 percent, respectively, for infants and toddlers in light trucks. Additionally, using the tether on a forward-facing car seat reduces the chances of injury in a crash. Installing car seats improperly can be just as dangerous as not placing children in car seats at all. Don’t be part of the 46 percent and ensure that you know exactly how to keep your children safe at every stage of their life. Even as your children grow older and graduate from one type of car seat to another, it is important to stay vigilant about ensuring that your children are properly buckled in the right seats for their ages and sizes. e latest data from NHTSA shows that when it comes to restraint use, more than onethird (35%) of the children who died in passenger vehicles in 2016 were not

buckled up at all, with most of them being children between 8 and 12. In 2016, among children under 5, car seats saved an estimated 328 lives. A total of 370 children could have survived if they had been buckled up correctly 100 percent of the time. Fortunately, no parent must figure this all out alone. As part of Child Passenger Safety Week, Dominican Hospital is hosting a child passenger safety event, Saturday September 29, 9am to noon. Parents and caregivers will learn about proper car seat installation, and how to use car seats correctly. Technicians can also discuss car seat selection with parents, if parents have questions about transitioning their child to another type of seat. On this day, parents and caregivers can have their children’s car seats inspected by Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians who can teach them how to install their car seats properly. Technicians can help parents and caregivers learn the correct installation method for their child’s car seat and help determine if their children are ready to move from rear-facing to forward-facing seats, from forward16 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

facing seats to booster seats, or from booster seats to seat belts. e technicians can also show parents how to register their car seat with its manufacturer so that they’ll be notified in the case of recalls. For an appointment call 831-462-7266. If you can’t make it to this even, you can still have your car seat checked at a Car Seat Inspection Station yearround for free at any of the following locations: • boulder creek Fire protection district - (831) 338-7222 • california highway patrol (831) 662-0511 • santa cruz city Fire department (831) 420-5280, call 8 am–12 pm • scotts Valley Fire protection district - (831) 438-0211, call 8 am–12 pm • Watsonville Fire department (831) 768-3200 (se habla español) Parents and caregivers can also visit nhtsa.gov/carseat to learn other tips on car seat safety, watch how-to videos, and sign up for car seat recall notifications. More information is available at santacruzhealth.org.


kids read

Home By Michelle Spence

With the kids back in school, there is a return to routine—often absent during the carefree days of summer. It’s an exciting time that can also be overwhelming with school schedules, sports, activities, homework, and more. One of the most important anchors for kids is home—not just the physical space, but the feeling it provides. Happily, young readers can turn to books to experience the comforts and coziness of home and family whenever it is needed.

A House That Once Was Written by Julie Fogliano illustrated by lane smith Just published, this quiet tale of mystery and intrigue reveals an old house in the woods, now overrun with tangled vines and spindly trees. With a blue bird for company, two children climb in the window and imagine the “someone who once was… who’s gone but is still everywhere.” After spending the afternoon rummaging for clues and wondering how much the house remembers, the kids retreat to their own cozy home and relish the dinner on their table.

spending the summer cooped up with his work-from-home father in a nameless big city. As an escape, Luke constructs a makeshift collage of magazine photos showing mountains and rivers and lakes. His project inspires a fatherson backpacking trip to Lost Lake, replete with a long drive, heavy packs, and walking sticks, as well as the requisite off-trail hiking to get away from the crowds. Just goes to show, sometimes you have to leave home to find home. House in the Night Written by susan marie swanson illustrated by beth Krommes Beautifully detailed black-andwhite drawings illustrate this progressive tale of a house in the night as a child settles down to sleep. With a soothing tone and a whispering hush, the child is tucked into bed underneath the watchful moonlight. Michelle Spence is a children’s bookseller at Bookshop Santa Cruz. Her favorite books are the ones her kids can quote by heart.

A House Is a House for Me Written by mary ann hoberman illustrated by betty Fraser Mary Ann Hoberman begins her rhyming story simply enough, naming hills and hives and holes as the houses for various creatures. But before long, she has expanded her definition of shelter to encompass a peach (a house for a peachpit), a mirror (a house for reflections), and a throat (a house for a hum). Cuddle up with this book, which of course is a house for a delightful story!

This House, Once by deborah Freedman Follow along as we dreamily behold each of the elements that makes a house a home, from the front door “once a colossal oak tree” and the bricks “once mud that oozed around roots” to the window that “was sand once… melted to glass.” Misty, almost velvety watercolors reveal both the history and the now of this house, as we come to see how our own home fits into the world outside our door.

The Lost Lake by allen say An old favorite of ours, this story vividly captures the way a trip to the mountains can bind a family. Luke is September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 17


raising kids TipS For booSTiNg YoUr CHiLD’S iq:

Develop a Can-Do attitude By Jan Pierce

Here’s a hot topic for all caring parents. What can you, as a parent, do to optimize your child’s successes in learning throughout life? We’ve all heard of the nature/nurture arguments that say a child is born with a certain learning capability and their environment merely promotes or inhibits reaching full potential. And, that is true. However, the most recent thinking in the world of learning is that the environment a child experiences has a great deal to do with whether or not a child reaches that full potential. Further, the attitude the child takes into school and learning all of life’s lessons determines how successful he or she will be. It’s a fact that a child’s brain has reached 90% of its adult size before entering Kindergarten. The growth in the brain from birth to age four or five is amazing and much of a child’s learning success depends on healthy, positive learning environments provided during those first years. However the brain continues to organize and restructure information all through childhood and into early adult life. So what can you do to support the highest levels of learning for your child? what helps and what hurts Lots of companies have produced products designed to increase early learning. Some have claimed babies can learn to read and others promote hours of screen time to develop language, math understandings, music appreciation and much more. Most of these products have proven to be of little value if not actually harmful to early learning. We know now that screen time for children under the age of two can be detrimental to brain development. We also know that interactions with other human beings are the best way to promote language learning, basic literacy, math understandings and so much more. There are toys and games proven to be educationally sound. One of the best is simple blocks or other building/connecting materials. Time spent exploring with such open-ended materials promotes cognitive skills. Some board games build math understandings such as one to one correspondence and patterning, while some video games build spatial skills and working memory (the ability to hold, process and manipulate information while problem-solving). Any activity that promotes critical thinking skills (logical problem-solving) is time well-spent. But in general children learn best the 18 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

take is counted as a lack of intelligence rather than identifying an error as exploration leading to further understanding. Your child needs to believe he or she can learn more. Instead, we need to praise a child’s efforts, perseverance and strategies. Instead of saying, “You’re a great artist,” you could say, I like the blues and greens in this drawing. You really worked hard on this.” The focus is on the product and the effort the child made creating it. Children do need praise, but they need the kind that builds resilience and that “can-do” attitude toward learning. Rather than, “You’re really smart at math” you might say, “I can see you’ve been working hard on subtraction.” Or “You found a great way to get those answers.”

“old-fashioned” way: they play, create, imagine, exercise, and explore while interacting with others in safe environments. They ask questions, make predictions and try out solutions to problems. They learn as they play. In American culture children are more motivated to learn when they have some choice in the subject matter. They seem to put out more effort and are willing to work harder and longer when they study something they love. what matters most Perhaps the most important new understanding in early learning is the fact that children can either shut down or expand their learning successes based solely on the way they think about themselves as learners. Children who believe they can’t improve their intelligence—“get smarter”—are far less able to enter any learning activity with a positive attitude. They tend to think they will either win or lose rather learn and grow. Even if they believe they’re “smart” they fear failure and thus define mistakes as proof of their lack of ability. Every learning task is another hurdle that means risk-

ing their learning reputation. On the other hand children who believe they can learn more and improve their understandings will enter a learning activity with a can-do attitude. Mistakes are seen as landmarks along the road to better understandings, not failures. (Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success) This concept can’t be overstated. A child’s mindset for learning can either open the door to an exciting world to explore and enjoy, or become a series of tests filled with worry, tension and potential failure. how to get there One of the ways to free your child from becoming a fearful learner is to refrain from praising their innate abilities, saying “You’re really smart at math.” This is tough. We’re used to telling our children how smart they are and praising their performances based on their capabilities in an effort to build self-esteem. But when children come to believe they’re only smart when they “get it right,” they learn that anything other than perfection is failure. Then any mis-

freedom vs. fear Next time your child is immersed in a creative play activity, sit back and observe. I recently watched a three and a five year old as they played with blocks and miniature animals. They built fences and roads, and kept up a running commentary on what they were doing. No one argued with them when they put the shark into the cow pen. There was no right or wrong, no winning or losing, just healthy, imaginative play. As parents we can strive to build that kind of freedom into our child’s selfconcept as a learner. Yes, there is a lot to learn. Yes, there are right and wrong answers. But also yes… he or she can keep learning and be successful with hard work and that ever-so-productive cando attitude. Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and freelance writer. She is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at www.janpierce.net

resources: branson, Ken, inherited iQ can increase in early childhood, rutgers today, January, 2018 dewar, Gwen, ph.d., praise and intelligence, parenting sciencedewar, Gwen, ph.d., intelligence in children, parenting science dweck, carol s. ph.d., mindset: the new psychology of success stuart, annie, can You boost Your child’s iQ?, Web md


schools

Santa Cruz montessori School goes Solar Patience is a virtue. A decade of patience makes miracles happen. In 2008, the Santa Cruz Montessori (SCM) board approved a strategic action plan for the greening of the school. Junior high students in the Wavecrest class were tasked with organizing a Green Science Fair to determine the most effective way the school could go green. The winner: solar panels. Enter the villain, the economic downturn of 2008. With a shrinking economy, greening plans had to be put on hold. Fast forward ten years. The tireless efforts of a capital campaign raised $265,000 through the generosity of parents, grandparents, friends, charitable organizations, and community members who contributed to Santa Cruz Montessori’s Going Solar. As a result, SCM is now 98% energy independent thanks to the 160 solar panels that have been placed on roofs of the school that are well oriented for sun exposure, and the school also has a new roof on the Primary building. Installed by NorCal Solar in the fall of 2017 and the spring of 2018, the solar panels produce over 104,000 kWh (kilowatt hours) annually, enough to save SCM $17,000 in 2018 alone. At that rate, the solar panels will pay for themselves in about fifteen years. Just as important is the reduction of the school’s carbon footprint—each year the savings in CO2 emissions will be the equivalent of planting nearly 2,000 trees. “We are thrilled to have environmentally friendly solar panels,” noted Head of School Kim Saxton. “We are not only saving money, but are also making a positive environmental impact.” Maria Montessori, founder of the Montessori system famously said, “The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” The

Photo Contributed

alternatiVe schOOl enerGY santa cruz montessori’s 160 solar panels will give the school 98 percent of its energy and save $17,000 a year. greening of SCM is another step in that educational process, a model for students on how they can be responsible environmental citizens. Next addition to the solar panels project will be an informational kiosk that will have information for

students about how solar energy works. The students will also have access to a digital display of the school’s savings—projected at $85,000 over the next five years— and will be able to track the school’s reduction of CO2 emissions, tar-

geted at 81 tons each year. The kiosk will also acknowledge the generous donors who made this project possible. All thanks to an under-valued virtue in today’s wired, multi-tasking world: patience.

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 19


20 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018


increase absorption dramatically. avoid consuming calcium in the same meal as iron-rich foods. try hummus with raw green pepper slices as dippers. trail-mix with pumpkin seeds, cashews, and dried apricots will provide quite a punch of iron. (dried pumpkin seeds are very high in iron.) add orange segments to a spinach salad to provide vitamin c for better absorption. sprinkle kidney beans on a salad and sesame seeds on anything! make chili in a cast iron pot or skillet for an added iron boost. the tomato sauce not only provides vitamin c to enhance absorption of non-heme iron in the beans, but also leaches extra iron from the cast iron pan. add a small amount of meat to maximize absorption of this great, iron-rich meal. shrimp and canned sardines (up to 12 oz a week) can be safely consumed by pregnant women and are high in iron. snack on dried figs or dried apricots with a handful of almonds. iron-fortified cereals such as cream of wheat or boxed cold cereals can provide an easy addition of iron. sip some nettles tea. liver is not recommended in pregnancy because of high levels of vitamin a. n

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more information:

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birthnet.org – local resources (including nutritionists) and events for families

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nutrition info acog.org/Patients/FAQs/ Nutrition-During-Pregnancy

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Wic – support for food and nutrition: communitybridges.org/wic more about iron absorption parentingscience.com/ iron-absorption.html

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birthatters m By Laura Maxson, LM

popularized spinach for inp opeye stant strength, but when it comes to iron-rich foods, there are others that pack a bigger punch. Foods rich in iron are necessary to build red blood cells, which are key to delivering oxygen to every part of the body. Iron helps us feel energized and be better able to fend off infection. During pregnancy iron is vital for

H! NAC I P S R YOU EAT

both mother and the developing baby. Women are screened for true anemia (very low iron) in early pregnancy so iron supplementation can be started right away. True anemia shouldn’t be confused with the expected dip in iron levels mid-pregnancy reflecting a normal expansion of blood volume that is taking place. Blood plasma increases quickly with the slower growing red blood cells lagging behind, causing the dip. Blood volume expands by close to 50% to support a growing baby and to prepare for nor

mal blood loss at birth. Normal iron levels at the beginning of pregnancy will often remain in the normal range, but someone beginning pregnancy low in iron will likely become anemic by mid-pregnancy without some dietary intervention. Adequate iron levels can make a real difference in how good a new mother feels after birth, adding a buffer if there is greater blood loss then expected. A new mother who is anemic may feel dizzy and weak after birth, and be more susceptible to infection after losing even a small amount of blood. It is recommended that at least 27 milligrams of iron be consumed every day during pregnancy to build good iron reserves in the baby and mother. Although many prenatal vitamins have extra iron, much of that daily requirement can be met through food sources. Most everyone knows that eating meat, especially red meat or the dark meat from poultry, is high in iron. But, of course this isn’t going to work for vegans or vegetarians. In that case, beans, beans and more beans usually top the menu. Iron from an animal source is called heme and is more readily absorbed than plant-based, non-heme iron. here are a few easy ways to increase iron absorption, especially from non-meat sources: add vitamin c to any meal containing plant-based iron to n

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Some iron deficiencies in pregnancy may be caused by recent miscarriage, low levels of B-12 or folate or severe morning sickness. Postpartum anemia generally comes from blood loss at birth. Pitocin induction and augmentation increase the risk for hemorrhage and cesareans generally result a blood loss of 4 cups or more. Being a little low on iron is different from being anemic. While foodbased iron is the preferred method to add iron to the diet, iron supplements may be needed. Iron such as ferrous sulfate can cause constipation, so increasing fiber and liquids in the diet can help minimize this side effect. Many have successfully used plant-based iron supplements, such as Floradix. Please note that iron pills are a leading cause of poisoning in children. Take care to keep any supplements well away from the kids.

Laura Maxson, LM, CPM, the mother of three grown children, has been working with pregnant and breastfeeding women for over 30 years. Currently she is the executive director of Birth Network of Santa Cruz County and has a homebirth midwifery practice. Contact her at midwife@scshop.com or postmaster@birthnet.org September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 21


around town... gift of Straight Teeth On Friday, August 3, a young woman’s life was changed forever. Dr. Brian Schabel and Dr. Vivian Chan, a husband and wife team of orthodontists and owners of North Coast Orthodontics in Capitola, gave a 16 year old foster child the

gift of a lifetime: free orthodontic treatment. Earlier this year, the orthodontists launched a new community initiative they coined, ‘Spread the Aloha.’ Through this program, they will be giving back to the

community on a grander scale. The first ‘Spread the Aloha’ initiative was a free braces giveaway. The community was encouraged to nominate a deserving individual to receive free orthodontic care at North Coast Orthodontics. Over 100 nominations were submitted and the doctors along with a judging panel, chose Mikaylah. Mikaylah has had a tremendously difficult life so far. Her story touched the hearts of North Coast Orthodontics. Mikaylah was nominated for free treatment by both her social worker and teacher. When asked what she would do if she won the lottery, Mikaylah told her teacher she would fix her smile. The orthodontists, the team

at North Coast Orthodontics, and those closest to Mikaylah surprised her at what she thought was a new patient consultation. “It was truly touching to see her expression when she learned that she was the recipient of this award. This young woman is very deserving of this life-changing treatment. We can’t wait to watch her smile and her confidence transform,” says Dr. Schabel. Dr. Brian Schabel and Dr. Vivian Chan have launched their second ‘Spread the Aloha’ initiative which will honor our local heroes. To nominate a local hero who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, please visitwww.spreadthealoha.org.

Scotts valley all girls Cub Scouts pack 673 invites girls ages k–5 to Join In the spring of 2018, The Boy Scouts of America opened the doors of its flagship elementary-age character development program letting young girls join Cub Scouts for the first time since starting in 1914. Girls are now having the same opportunities that boys have had in the 100-plus year history of BSA in the US, and what many countries have been doing for decades as coed scouting programs. “There are several local Full Family Cub Scout Packs but Pack 673 is the only all-girl Cub Scout Pack in the region including Santa Cruz county and the Silicon Valley/Monterey Bay Area. When we opened our pack we had just nine girls and we quickly grew into one of the largest all-girl packs in the country,” said Christine Wilkinson, Pack 673 Committee Chair. “Pack 673 incorporates all the great things scouting has to offer from leadership to first aid, citizenship to camping and survival skills, and just lots of fun, all around. We’re looking forward to expanding and welcoming new members into our dens.” Pack 673 has a strong theme of environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation. With all the wonderful parks and open spaces all around the Santa Cruz Mountains, members have many opportunities to get outside to enjoy, learn about, and take care of the region. Since the Charter Signing in February of 2018 the girls have already had a wide range of experiences. Learning and practicing to be good

22 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

stewards of the Earth through performing community service, learning leave no trace principals, character development as well as mental and physical fitness. Activities this spring and summer included attending the Puppetry Institute, Pinewood Derby, Scouto-Rama, Day Cub Camp with Nature Lodge, Felton Fire House visit, with a female firefighter, community service project for Native Animal Rescue, San Jose Giants game overnight camping on the ball field, and starting the Monterey Bay Hikers Program; completing the Nisene Marks Hike. Pack 673 is inclusive for all types of girls and families. Social skills and individual growth is an important piece of Pack 673 and the pack is working towards individual and common goals including team building, life skills, self-reliance, resilience and encouraging adventure. Families join Cub Scouts for a variety of reasons. Fathers are excited to share their scouting experience with their daughters. Some families may be new to the area or have children with mild special needs and Pack 673 provides an inclusive social network. Pack 673 also facilitates an education for those who love nature and want to go hiking or camping but aren’t sure where to go or what equipment is needed with kids. Pack 673 members also join for the chance to experience something new, to earn awards and participate in community service projects. Cub Scout Pack 673 is welcoming new members to join and is

hosting a Sign Up Night at La Madrona Athletic Club on Tuesday, September 4 at 6 p.m. All girls in

the Santa Cruz County area in grades Kindergarten through 5th are eligible.


education SUCCeSS iN SCHooL:

Five ways to build Your Child’s Critical Thinking Skills By Jan Pierce

learning. When your child is reading a book, ask: “What do you think will happen next?” Then after reading you can evaluate the accuracy of the prediction and determine why it was or wasn’t right. In math and science it’s also important to make logical hypotheses and then go on to test and evaluate them. Go to www.study.com and search for “How do you Develop a Hypothesis.

Everyday life involves a lot of problem-solving. How do you encourage your children to get along with others? What’s the best way to help your child learn to manage money? Should you let your kids play video games and which ones are off-limits? Without realizing it, you’re making logical decisions every day, and your kids need to learn how to make sound, logical decisions as well. Not just in their social and emotional lives, but in their reading, their writing, and their math and science explorations as well. In short, the child who knows how to think logically will be a better student who comprehends his or her reading at a higher level, is able to think creatively to solve math and science problems, can communicate clearly and may even score higher on IQ tests. Critical thinking is a complex skill learned over time. It involves being able to evaluate information for accuracy, interpret information, make predictions and inferences (conclusions based on evidence and reasoning), recognize fact vs. opinion and explain one’s thinking clearly. So….it’s kind of hard. But, there are simple ways to build these logical thinking skills and you can begin to teach them in easy and fun ways. Here are some skills to work on at home to ensure your child is a strong, clear and logical thinker. analyze analogies Analogies are comparisons between two different things. They show a relationship between two items. The skill involved requires your child to first identify the relationship and then se-

lect the words demonstrating that relationship. The use of analogies increases understanding in virtually all areas of learning. For example: day is to light as night is to ____. To solve this analogy, you first see that it is light in the daytime, then supply the opposite concept, dark, to night. Or, book is to read as song is to _____. One reads a book. What do we do with a song? We sing it. Analogies can demonstrate a number of relationships such as part to whole, opposites, cause and effect, or degree of intensity (cool is to freezing as warm is to ____.) You can find workbooks with analogies in them or try the following websites to practice solving analogies. Kids enjoy doing them and you might create a family game in which you create your own analogy problems for one another. www.funtrivia.com (search analogy quizzes) www.study.com (search analogies) www.learninggamesforkids.com (search under vocabulary games) create categories and classify items Sorting items for like attributes has always been fun for kids. For example you can sort buttons by color, size, number of holes, shape, etc. You can group animals into size, habitats, pets vs wild, stripes and no stripes or any other categories you create. And what kid wouldn’t want to sort M & M’s by color? You can go further and have

children graph their information in a simple bar graph or pie chart. Classifying items builds both math and language skills and leads the way to simple science explorations. You’ll find lots of information on classifying at: www.mensaforkids.org classifying animals www.kidsbiology.com go to animal classification game www.education.com/worksheets/ graphing identify relevant information In the process of problem-solving, it’s crucial to be able to pull out the information that matters. For example, consider the following sentence and the question to be answered: Tom had four quarters and three dimes. He also had a frog in his pocket. How much money does Tom have? Obviously the frog in the pocket is not important to determining the correct amount of money. But selecting out only pertinent information can be quite challenging. Go to www.study.com and search for relevant information in math. You’ll find videos followed by simple quizzes to practice this important skill. test hypotheses A hypothesis is an educated guess based on the current information known. Your child needs to be able to consider what is known and predict what might happen next, then test it out to see if the hypothesis was correct. This is an important skill in all of

distinguish between evidence and interpretations of evidence (facts vs. opinions) In this day of information overload and cries of “fake news” all around, children must know how to recognize facts from the opinions of others. Facts are always true. Opinions are beliefs held by an individual and can vary from person to person. Help your child learn the difference between fact and opinion. Watch the You Tube video on Fact and Opinion by BrainPop or visit www.pbskids.org/arthur/games/fact sopinions Critical thinking is a skill that grows over time. Ask your children to answer questions in their own words and clarify what they mean. Point out that some problems have more than one correct answer or more than one way of arriving at that answer. Help them see how emotions and motives can affect thinking. Encourage them to write out their answers to questions to build skill in coming up with clear and concise answers to problems. Kids benefit when they have opportunities to practice problem solving using critical thinking skills. And don’t forget that old-fashioned conversation around the dinner table is a great time to pose questions that require clear, logical thinking.

resources: teaching critical thinking: an evidence-based Guide by Gwen dewar, ph.d. mind in the making, problem solving, by ellen Galinsky. www.readingrockets.org www.pbskids.org

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 23


parenting

why one Child Turns out So well, but Not the other By Chris Jackson

Have you ever thought, “I just don’t get why all my kids didn’t turn out well; I parented them all the same, so what went wrong?” Bingo. That’s just it: if you want all your kids to turn out the same (well-adjusted), parent them differently. When you parent them the same, they can and do turn out differently (and often not

in a good way). You may have heard the recent news about a local police chief ’s son who was arrested. On the department’s Facebook page, the chief stated, “His sisters (one corporate and the other about to start law school), are at a loss to understand any of this. It's difficult for us to comprehend how one of three kids who grew up with the same parents, under the same roof, with the same rules and same values and character could wander so far astray. We simply don't know why, or how we got here.” Over the years, I’ve heard many parents, including my own, struggle to understand the same thing. The path to becoming well adjusted is different for each child, so when all siblings are given the same path, they turn out differently. I’ve seen families in which one sibling has friends, a job, and the means to live independently, while the other does24 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

n’t get along with anybody and depends on others to get by. Parents in these families ask how that could have possibly happened, given that both children were parented the same. The answer is that the child who is off course needed some different rules, structure, consequences and experiences growing up. Providing these uniquely for each child is more work up front, but it’s less work on the back end when your kids are older. A child best receives her sense of worth and direction from her parents in ways specific to that child. We may not be aware of the fear, hurt and pain some of our children feel. Misbehavior and dependency are often driven by one’s emotional injuries. In order to turn out well-adjusted like their siblings, these emotionally injured children need structure and support from their parents that’s different from the kind given to their siblings.

I have the utmost respect for the chief ’s lifetime of service and sacrifice, and I’m grateful for all who put their lives on the line to serve in law enforcement. I can’t imagine what the chief and his family are going through. I can’t imagine what the victim in the case and his family are going through, either. As you read this now, you may be wondering how your children turned out differently, or wondering if they will. With the revelation that children can and will often go astray under uniform parenting, I’m hoping to encourage parents like you to consider ways to meet your child’s needs differently from the way the needs of his siblings are met. Until next time, parent well. Chris Jackson is the afternoon drive DJ at KFOX radio and is working on a book about raising your kids like rock stars.


aFTer SCHooL eNriCHmeNT & baCk To SCHooL gUiDe

SEPT. 2018

schools & preschools

Campus Kids Connection – Bostwick Children’s Center lic #444412389 987 bostwick lane, santa cruz 831.475.2151 www.campuskidsconnection.com We offer a child-centered learning environment that fosters early literacy, a sense of community, and diversity for children ages 2 – 5 years.

Campus Kids Connection – Santa Cruz Gardens Children’s Center lic #444408785 8005 Winkle ave., santa cruz 831.475.6587 www.campuskidsconnection.com We offer a child-centered learning environment that fosters early literacy, a sense of community, and diversity for children ages 2 – 5 years.

Campus Kids Connection, Inc. lic #444414596 infant & toddler center 305 alturas Way, soquel 831.471.8392 www.campuskidsconnection.com In this program, you can expect your child to have a great time in a fun, nurturing infant/toddler environment. As a parent, you can expect the safety that comes from a fully licensed program. We offer childcare to children ages 3 months through 30 months.

Campus Kids Connection – Opal Cliffs Children’s Center lic #444412727 4510 Jade street, capitola 831.475.5188 www.campuskidsconnection.com We offer a child-centered learning environment that fosters early literacy, a sense of community, and diversity for children ages 2 – 5 years. Coastal Community Preschool lic #444408854 900 high street, santa cruz 831.462.5437 coastalcommunitypreschool.org CCP serves children ages 2 1⁄2 through 5 years with a safe, stimulating,

and caring learning atmosphere. We have a curriculum that encourages development at each child’s own pace. Among our program highlights, we offer flexible year-round schedules, a highly experienced teaching staff, and a bright, secure West side location overlooking the Monterey Bay. Join us as we continue working with parents and caregivers to raise a community of strong, confident and happy children. Gateway School K-8 Where Experience and Innovation Meet santa cruz, ca 831.423.0341 x302 www.gatewaysc.org Gateway School offers a dynamic and intellectually challenging educational experience rooted in progressive philosophy and informed by research. The School’s mission is to inspire children to lead lives of purpose and compassion through scholarship and citizenship. At Gateway you will find active and engaging classrooms and outdoor spaces. Gateway School’s program is designed to inspire students to love learning, work hard, and value intrinsic understanding over external rewards. Teachers empower students to confidently take action to bring their ideas

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 25


AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT & BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE 2018 into reality. Students learn to act with grace and courtesy, to stand up for those who need help, and to be unafraid to examine the status quo through appropriate intellectual and social risks. Gateway has long been a leader in innovative learning techniques – it was among the first schools in Santa Cruz to establish a Life Lab, the first to build a Maker’s Space, and the first to institute a mindfulness program. In Gateway’s supportive and innovative environment, students develop the characteristics and skills to be successful in the 21stcentury. Good Shepherd Catholic School preschool - 8th grade 2727 mattison lane, santa cruz 831.476.4000 www.gsschool.org Good Shepherd Catholic School, located in central Santa Cruz County, offers a fully accredited academic program for students in preschool through eighth grade. For over fifty years Good Shepherd Catholic School has welcomed children of all faiths. A highly qualified faculty and staff provide a well-rounded curriculum that is project-based and faith driven. The school’s focus on community service gives the students numerous opportunities to learn and practice Catholic social teachings firsthand. Spanish, music (both vocal and instrumental), art, library science, and

26 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

physical education classes are offered in preschool through eighth grade with technology integrated throughout the school day. Beginning in fourth grade, students participate in enriching overnight trips, school-wide leadership projects, and have the opportunity to be part of the school’s highly successful interscholastic sports program. After school care is available until 6:00 p.m. Please call to schedule a tour. Holy Cross School 150 emmet street, santa cruz 831.423.4447 www.holycsc.org Holy Cross School celebrates more than 150 years of Catholic education. Our WASC and WCEA accredited program provides students with a challenging academic experience in a faith-based, respectful environment from preschool through 8th grade. Highly qualified teachers ignite a love of learning in students through an academic program that includes math, science, language arts, social studies, P.E., Spanish, music, Life Lab, competitive sports, and student leadership. Service-Learning projects are an integral part of the students’ experience. For more information about Holy Cross School, please call (831) 4234447 for a personal tour. Visitors are welcome!

Kirby School 425 Encinal St., Santa Cruz 831.423.0658 https://kirby.org/ Grades 6 through 12 Kirby School empowers students to shape their futures with confidence. Our independent, non-sectarian middle and high school has been preparing students for college and beyond for over 20 years. In classes averaging 12 students, teachers are responsive to each learner’s strengths and interests. Our rigorous academic and arts curriculum, intensive study paths, and inspiring faculty challenge each student based on their interests and readiness, rather than grade level. Kirby graduates go on to attend excellent four-year colleges and universities. Ocean Alternative Education Center & Ocean Online 831.475.0767 http://oc-losd-ca.schoolloop.com/ Ocean Alternative, Live Oak School District, supports your homeschooling adventure. Four credentialed teachers are available to guide you to build an exciting education plan for your child. Our weekly classes include literacy, math, science, and art. Students learn to communicate and collaborate in a group-learning environment. Community events, field trips & more! Ocean

Online is a non-classroom based independent study program. We offer a wide range of services including: quality, adaptable online curriculum, weekly teacher consultation and instruction, assessment and feedback, social networks of homeschooling families, resources, and a Chromebook to loan. Orchard School K-6 2288 trout Gulch road, aptos 831.688.1074 www.orchardschoolaptos.org Orchard School, established over 30 years ago, provides a unique, yet comprehensive K-6 education. At Orchard, we weave together the magic of an extraordinary faculty, a 14-acre campus and a down to earth philosophy that nourishes and honors the natural growth and development of children. Small class sizes, an organic garden and an animal farm create enriching “whole child” learning experiences that are hands-on and individualized. We provide Strong Core Academics, Excellent Science Curriculum, Art, Music, Physical Theater/Circus Arts, Electives, Ceramics, Archery, Swimming, Leadership, Field Trips, Drama Productions, and more.


AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT & BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE 2018 Pioneer Academy 181 laguna corralitos, corralitos (located directly across from the 5-mile house on Freedom boulevard) 831.761.5927 www.pioneer-academy.org Pioneer Academy provides young people with a challenging, creative, and caring academic environment that values social, emotional, intellectual, physical and artistic exploration. We believe young people learn best when they are actively engaged in their education, responsible and aware of their personal growth, and comfortable with themselves, their teachers and peers. With this underlying belief, we are committed to employing a balanced curriculum delivered by engaging teachers in a natural setting. Classes are designed using an interdisciplinary approach through literature, history, mathematics, science, health and well-being, music, and art. See website for more information as well as open house times/dates. Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool lic #444400117 4134 Fairway dr, soquel 831.462.2702 Rocking Horse Ranch is a play-based preschool located on 3 beautiful acres in sunny Soquel. We are open from 9-5:30 and offer morning, afternoon, and full day sessions. Our outdoor space offers

lots of room to explore, including our gardens and many different kinds of animals. Come visit us! Rose Blossom Nursery School preschool, t-K, Kindergarten lic #444403616 6401 Freedom blvd, aptos 831.662.8458 www.roseblossom.org Register for Fall 2018. Preschool, TK, & Kinder for girls and boys starting at 2.5 years old. 9am-12pm. Before school care starts at 8am. After school care until 2pm. Strong focus on social and emotional development, creating peace, and community. An NVC-based community school for 18 years, we practice the Compassionate Communication process taught by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. We offer play-based and emergent curriculum covering: alphabet/reading, writing, numbers/math, science, and social studies, integrated with creative drama, games, music, and art, and organized into monthly themes and musical performances. Individualized instruction, age-appropriate activities, circle time, and free play. Beautiful, country setting in Aptos. See website for intro video and Facebook page for updates and activities. Contact Sharon Rose, director, for tour and registration info. email: roseblossomschool@me.com

Santa Cruz Montessori 6230 soquel dr, aptos 831.476.1646 www.scms.org Santa Cruz Montessori is a nonprofit, independent school founded in 1964 serving children 18 months to 15 years. As a Montessori learning community, we inspire life-long learning and a peaceful world by nurturing the natural development of the whole child. We offer a strong, well-rounded academic program including vibrant arts, Spanish and theatre programs. SCM encourages children’s contributions, curiosity, reflection, and industriousness while fostering self-respect and respect for others as part of the natural unfolding of the whole person. Our goal is to create a climate where the culture of respect is present in all relationships with parents, teachers, students and administration. Santa Cruz Parent Education Nursery School 411 roxas street, santa cruz 831.425.4495 www.scpens.org A Community Treasure Since 1975. Santa Cruz Parent Education Nursery School (SCPENS), is a parent participation preschool which serves children from 1 to 5 years of age. Santa Cruz PENS is celebrating

42 years …SCPENS provides affordable, high-quality toddler and preschool programs. A parent education co-op preschool, SCPENS offers an opportunity for parents to develop their parenting skills and meet other families in a supportive environment. Children and their parents participate in a developmental toddler or preschool program emphasizing children’s expression, ideas and creativity. The instructors provide training in child development and effective parenting techniques via seminars, observation and discussion. Positive guidance and problem-solving strategies are emphasized. SCPENS is a part of Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Schools and the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Santa Cruz Waldorf School, PreK-8 2190 empire Grade, santa cruz 831.425.0519 www.santacruzwaldorf.org info@santacruzwaldorf.org Waldorf Education nourishes the whole human being in every phase of development. In Pre-K and Kindergarten, children learn through supervised free play, protected from inappropriate intellectual demands. Elementary school is filled with rich and deep study of the whole of human experience, engaging head, heart, and hands – math, science, and reading,

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 27


AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT & BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE 2018 fully integrated with artistic development and bodily engagement through crafts and movement. Waldorf graduates love to learn and are prepared for whatever is to come next. They thrive on solving problems. Colleges and universities are now seeking them out for their promise, for the whole human beings that they are. Visit our campus, which borders UCSC and is touched by redwoods.

vidualized Education by Design. Spring Hill School delivers advanced learning and excellence in academics through inquiry based learning. Educating with social emotional learning we support and inspire children. Expert teachers provide exemplary personalized education in small class sizes within a nurturing, safe environment. Within this Design Thinking School and design lab, students create new inventions. Students learn Spanish, music, art, film, sports, dance, and drama. The garden extends life lab and nutrition. We invite you to call or email for a personal tour.

Soquel Parent Education Nursery School 397 Old san Jose road soquel 831.429.3464 www.soquelpens.org Soquel PENS is celebrating 69 years. Soquel PENS provides a high-quality preschool experience for children ages 2.5 to 5 while simultaneously providing parent education. Both children and parents are provided a rich learning environment to explore, question, gain information, observe, discuss, develop friendships and establish a place of acceptance within our community. Parents develop skills in supporting their child’s school success in the years ahead and gain invaluable skills in establishing life-long healthy family relationships. Our school’s teaching philosophy is based in open, creative, child-driven exploration of curriculum materials in art, science, cooking, literacy, numbers, and physical skills balanced with structured participation in group and snack time. This is all guided by veteran teachers well trained in the arts of child development, communication and parenting skills, and human psychology. Soquel PENS is a part of Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz/Adult School under the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

Tara Redwood School elementary campus: 4746 soquel drive, soquel 831.475.0201 preschool campus: 5810 prescott road, soquel 831.462.9632 www.tararedwoodschool.org Tara Redwood School’s curriculum nurtures the innate positive qualities within each child while providing a strong inquiry based approach to learning about oneself and our world. Our program is an integration of the Creating Compassionate Cultures pedagogy and the Montessori Methods. Researched as the most important skills for today’s world, our global curriculum employs and strengthens the 5 C’s: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and compassion. Our program is rich with strong academics, social-emotional focused mindfulness, music, Spanish, technology, science, life lab and an organic farm. All our classes enjoy long outdoor play and exploration on our 108-acre campus in the redwoods. Classes are small with a low teacher-student ratio for Preschool: 24.5 years old and Elementary TK-5th.

Spring Hill School 250 california street, santa cruz 831.427.2641 springhillschool.org Spring Hill School, Readers Choice/Santa Cruz Sentinel for Best Private School in Santa Cruz County, offers Pre K through 6th Grade Indi-

Westside Parent Education Nursery School 1231 bay st. santa cruz 831.429.3995 www.wpens.org Westside PENS is celebrating 47 years. WPENS is located on the Westside on the Bay View Elementary campus.

28 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

Preschoolers and their parents play, learn and grow together. This comprehensive preschool program brings out children’s ideas and creativity. Adults develop their parenting skills and build friendships with other families. Thrive in a supportive environment at this much-loved parent co-op, a part of the Santa Cruz community since 1970. Its award-winning teachers inspire a passion for learning. Westside Parent Education Nursery School was the 2016 Santa Cruz Sentinel’s Readers’ Choice for Best Preschool! WPENS is a part of Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz/Adult School under the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. enrichment, support, & resources All About Theatre 325 Washington st, santa cruz 831.345.6340 www.allabouttheatre.org Celebrating 15 years of theater, and over 120 productions in Santa Cruz County. Offering training in the performing arts for children aged (3-6), Youth (6-10), Pre-teen & Teens (10-16) and Adults. Our upcoming Fall Season includes the following musicals; A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS, James and the Giant Peach Jr. and HONK the Musical, as well as classes in improvisa-

tion, dance, voice and more.... There’s a role for everyone and everyone will leave with skills that they didn’t have when they arrived. We rehearse predominantly at our downtown Santa Cruz. Come be a part of the magic...! Adventure Sports Unlimited 303 potrero st., #15, santa cruz 831.458.3648 www.asudoit.com Adventure Sports Unlimited (ASU) is the premier store for aquatics instruction in Santa Cruz. We teach infants through adults the joy of water through our Swim School. Our Ocean programs introduce families to our magnificent marine environments through the Seafood Foraging, Kelp Pickling, and Skin Diving classes. We explore the world-renowned underwater landscape of Monterey and Carmel Bays through our Open Water Scuba courses. It all starts in our custom-built aquatics facility with our tropically heated pool including Jacuzzi, and classroom. We want to make your entry into the water world truly enjoyable. ASU-you deserve it!


AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT & BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE 2018 Nannette Benedict DDS & Associates 5015 scotts Valley dr., scotts Valley 831.440.9214 scottsValleydentist.com We are really enjoying our new space, like Barbie it has everything! We have the latest high-tech instruments which I would love to show the teenagers, including CAD/CAM crowns with 3-D imagery. The youngsters can enjoy movies or cartoons on the IPad over the chair. We can use Invisalign to straighten teenagers teeth.To better accommodate families,we are open 5 days a week and 1 Saturday a month. Our Associates include my son:Devin Bernhardt DDS, Rajvir Kaur DDS and specialists are endodontist:Jim Sanfilippo DDS and periodontist:Tim Gifford DDS.

at making parents and children comfortable and offering preventive education with each visit. As a non-profit dental clinic, our focus is on high-quality, low-cost dental services, including exams, x-rays, fillings, sealants and root canals. We accept Medi-Cal and have affordable rates for uninsured patients. We offer bi-lingual services - Se habla Español! First 5 Santa Cruz County 831.465.2217 http://triplep.first5scc.org First 5 Santa Cruz County promotes the healthy development of children from birth through age 5. Parents and caregivers of newborns can contact First 5 to receive a free “Kit for New Parents” with parenting videos, children’s books, information on caring for babies and local resources. First 5 also offers parenting support through the Triple P Positive Parenting Program, a worldrenowned program that strengthens families by building positive relationships. To find Triple P classes or quick tips, visit our website.

Blue Apple Art House 245 sea ridge road suite a aptos 831-588-5412 www.blueappleart.com Blue Apple Art is an art house for kids (adults can be kids too!) starting at age 4 and up. We offer preschool and after school classes, weekend workshops, private lessons, birthday parties, and adult classes. Celebrating 14 years of making art in this community! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Visit our website to learn about our upcoming fall schedule.

French Tutoring sophie Véniel 831.295.3556 Customized French tutoring specializing in middle and high school students. Learning French can be one of the most rewarding educational opportunities. As a French native, I am passionate about teaching and sharing my language skills. I offer simple steps to understand grammar, build vocabulary to gain confidence in speaking while learning at your own pace. I offer on-site and online lessons via Skype.

The Bookakery www.bookakeryboxes.com Check out our Bookakery Boxes, monthly subscription boxes filled with picture books, recipes, baking tools and other goodies, curated to foster a love of reading and baking in kids and encourages parent-child activities. Bookakery Boxes facilitate activity based learning of reading, following instructions, counting and more. Bookakery Boxes are perfect for preschoolers and early elementary age children as they head back to school and throughout the year. Cherryvale Art Farm 4900 cherryvale ave, soquel 831.462.2524 www.cherryvaleartFarm.com Fb: cherryvale art Farm Nestled in the Soquel hills, we offer expert art instruction in a gorgeous rural setting. By placing the artists in the unique farm habitat, Cherryvale Art Farm participants are able to explore the garden and farm animals through creative art, crafts and cooking experiences. The hands-on instruction will include handling and caring for our animals (who are also some of our models), specializing in projects that integrate the experience through open-ended projects. After school sessions starting October, along with winter and spring break camps. Visit our website for more information.

Photo by: Kevin Painchaud

bacK (pacK) tO schOOl do you ever worry that your kids are carrying too many books and things on their backs? it sure looks like their packs keep growing by the year. Dancenter 810 bay ave., capitola (831) 475-5032 www.dancenterinfo.com Our School Year begins Sept. 4th! Classes for all ages and levels in predance, ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip hop and Latin. Expert teachers and supportive atmosphere...Come join the fun!

Dientes Community Dental Care 1830 commercial Way, santa cruz (near toys r Us) 831.464.5409 1430 Freedom blvd, suite c, Watsonville (near mi pueblo) 831.621.2560 www.dientes.org Dientes Community Dental Care is a full-service dental clinic with offices in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. We practice whole family dentistry including kids, adults and seniors; but children hold a special place in our heart - half of our patients are kids. In our Santa Cruz clinic, we have a dedicated pediatric wing where Dientes’ dentists excel

Friends of Santa Cruz Park Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends) is an entrepreneurial nonprofit sustaining the legacy of our state parks and beaches. Through an innovative partnership with California State Parks, and by leveraging local community support, Friends funds educational programs, visitor services and capital projects. Funding comes from entrance fees paid by State Parks users at state parks and beaches in Santa Cruz County and coastal San Mateo County. Learn more at www.thatsmypark.org. Santa Cruz Gladiators local parks & gyms 831-295-2331 www.scgladiators.com Santa Cruz Gladiators is your local Rec & Santa Cruz County Futsal Competitive League! Futsal is variation of soccer played between two teams of five players each, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the game is played on a hard court surface delimited by line.The surface, ball, and rules together favor ball control and passing in small spaces. The game emphasis is on

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 29


AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT & BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE 2018 improvisation, creativity and technique. Be part of this growing sensation! Affiliated with Cal North, US Futsal, USFF & FIFA. Be part of the Futsal craze. Head Heart Hands Healing 406 mission street, suite e santa sruz, ca 95060 831.345.3140 headhearthandshealing.com Aurore Sibley, CST-T, M.S. Ed, offers craniosacral therapy for infants, children and adults, as well as remedial educational assessment and support services from a Waldorf approach to learning. Specializing in sensory motor health and development, it is her passion to bridge the therapeutic and educational arts. See headhearthamdshealing.com for more information or to schedule an appointment. Jim Booth Swim School santa cruz at harvey West pool Watsonville in shape 831.722.3500 jimboothswimschool.com Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters beginning at age 4 months is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree

pools that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our group lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, wellqualified teachers. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School! JuneBug’s Gym 3910 portola drive ste 2 & 3, santa cruz 831.464.2847 www.junebugsgym.com JuneBug’s Gym is a place where your child from ages crawling-8 years of age can experience a fun filled adventure in movement and gymnastics. Leading research teaches us that brain development occurs through a child’s movement and motor development and directly enhances reading, writing and math skills. Our classes are designed to give your child a wide range of fun, creative and challenging movement activities in every class. Besides classes, we also have Open Gyms, birthday parties, and Parents Night Out! Come join the fun! Motion Pacific Dance 131 Front street, downtown santa cruz (831) 457-1616 motionpacific.com Motion Pacific provides dancers, ages 3-17 years old, the opportunity to experience dance in a context that values the individual and the creative

process. We are dedicated to high-quality technical training within a non-competitive environment and offer access to many forms of dance. Our curriculum caters to each student’s strengths and is designed to encourage creative expression and a positive body image. Motion Pacific is a nurturing, exciting and dynamic setting for students who seek either sheer enjoyment or a career in dance. We offer a Sliding Scale Pricing for all 3-8 yr classes as well as Scholarships and Payment Plans for dancers 8 yrs and up. Open enrollment through September 30. See website for class schedule and to register. Music Together & Canta y Baila Conmigo w/MusicalMe, Inc. locations throughout santa cruz and santa clara county 831.438.3514 www.musicalme.com Now offering two excellent Early Childhood Music Programs: the awardwinning Music Together® Early Childhood Music & Movement program and Canta y Baila Conmigo®, our new Spanish language & music immersion program. We’re doing our part to make the world a better place by making it more musical for everyone, especially infants, toddlers, preschoolers – including children with disabilities. Our curriculum fosters the integration of music into everyday life regardless of adults’ music ability. Our programs enhance children’s learning in multiple domains, increases family engagement and adds richly to each family’s “toolbox”. Siblings are welcome, especially infants who may attend free if they are 8 months or under. Call now to attend one of our classes for free. Pajaro Valley Children’s Dental Group 230 Green Valley rd, Freedom 831.722.9202 www.dental4kids.com Parents, as you prepare for back to school, don’t forget about your child’s smile! Our office works exclusively with infants, children, and teens to make a difference in their lives by creating healthy smiles. Call our office today to schedule your child’s exam and cleaning. We accept and bill most dental insurance plans and are preferred providers with many carriers, including Delta Dental. Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center 2750 b soquel ave, santa cruz 831.462.0655 www.scgym.com Santa Cruz Gymnastics Center, Inc. is the best gymnastics facility in the county. We live by our commitment to promote strong minds and bodies through the sport of gymnastics. Our large established facility offers classes, camps, and special activities to children of all ages, all perfect opportunities to improve physical awareness in a fun and

30 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

safe atmosphere. Gymnastics not only increases strength, grace, and flexibility but also encourages hard work, discipline, and determination, all life skills which will be extremely useful for your children as they grow into healthy adults. Please visit our website for class schedules and yearly calendar. Santa Cruz Public Libraries 224 church st., santa cruz, ca 95060 831-427-7713 https://www.santacruzpl.org The Santa Cruz Public Libraries deliver information, education, enrichment and inspiration through a network of neighborhood library branches, a web-based digital library, a Bookmobile, and community-based programs. We improve reading readiness with early literacy classes, family crafts, and Read-to-Me kits; we support students with reading comprehension and homework tutoring, online resources for homework help, and project-based STEAM learning programs. We support the learning needs of all ages with internet access, computers, printing, Wifi, and high tech tools like 3D printers and virtual reality. Your library is a fun and safe place to gather after school, have some fun, and learn. SantaCruzSoccerCamp.com 831.246.1517 Santa Cruz Soccer Camp has witnessed over 30 years of making a sport fun, entertaining, and empowering for boys and girls ages-5-15. At this camp they are taught by skillful educators, who have graduated Leadership Development ages 13-15 and have participated as young campers immersed in the philosophy of Making Soccer Fun. Seahorse Swim School seascape sports club (aptos) neW! private home pool (aptos) santa cruz elks lodge (summer) 831.476.7946 (swim) www.seahorseswimschool.com Swim Lessons: Group, private, semipvt, custom classes & a non-competitive swimteam for youth & teens. Parent-tot classes (6 months +) teach parents how to instruct babies safely. Instructors are engaging, fun & interactive. The positive, specific feedback used in classes builds confidence while learning new life-long, life-saving skills.

GUiSC is not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor does inclusion in this listing constitute our endorsement of a program. Listings were written by each organization and GUiSC has not confirmed the accuracy of the information provided. Please call the individual program to confirm details.


CaLeNDar

SEPTEMBER 2018

photo by: Kevin painchaud TIDE PODS Check the listings for the State Parks events in the local tide pools. You never know what you’ll meet.

saturday, september 1 Aptos Farmers Market 8am-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College. Featuring more than 90 vendors, supplying a variety of fresh produce, prepared goods, items for the home. Live music, coffee, fresh baked goods. Open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Ages walking to 8 years old (or 80 lbs.). Parents can drop off for up to 3 hours for tumbling fun! Call 464-BUGS (2847) to sign up or drop by at 3910 Portola Dr. Ste. 2 & 3, Pleasure Point-Santa Cruz. www.junebugsgym.com Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. Join the SV Public Library for story time, enjoy some live music, get your face painted and get fresh food. Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr. Saturdays in the Soil 10am-12pm. Natural History Museum. Help us keep our Garden Learning Center thriving for visitors to learn from! Learn about caring for native plants while helping with general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding, and replanting. All ages are welcome. Tales to Tails 10:30pm-11:30pm. Aptos Library. Trained therapy dogs will be available at the Library to be attentive, non-judgmental reading partners for children reading aloud. Children have individual 20-minute

time slots to sit with a dog and read. Contact tales2tails@santacruzpl.org or 831.427.7717 to reserve a spot. DIY Family Crafts 11am-4pm. Branciforte Library. Ongoing Saturdays. Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Hwy 236 at 21600 Big Basin Way. 338-8883. Origami Club 1pm-3pm. Aptos Library. First Saturday. Join our monthly get together to make beautiful creations in this ancient oriental art of paper folding. We will also demonstrate more contemporary arts of book folding and 3-D modular origami. Live Music by the Dooners 7:30pm-9:30pm. Abbott Square. Americana music. sunday, september 2 Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr. Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am-10:15am. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center. Come join us for a friendly, FREE, 12-Step support group with the solution. Teens and adults welcome. Includes compulsive overeating, anorexia and bulimia. 2900 Chanticleer Ave 429-7906 santacruzoa.org

Sunday Play at the MAH 11am-2pm. Ongoing Sundays. Santa Cruz MAH. Family friendly activities that get you moving and inspire creativity. Think fort building, bubble making, dance parties, and more! Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1. Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing). Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. Free Bachata dance class, followed by 3 hours of non-stop social dancing! Before the dancing starts we will do a fun Beach Picnic. Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road). Come experience the incredible bird life that the Wetlands of Watsonville have to offer. The wetland system of sloughs and their uplands offer breeding and year-round habitat for over 220 species of shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors and song birds. Tour of the UCSC Farm 2pm-3:30pm. UCSC Hay Barn. On the first Sunday of each month, enjoy a free tour of the UCSC Farm. Adult Arts and Crafts 2pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Felton Public Library. Attendants are encouraged to bring their own portable projects to work on, though something will be provided if you don’t bring something. Let’s have some fun while also helping each other learn and grow as artists and crafters!

Origami for Peace with Nate and Drew 3pm-5pm. 1st and 3rd Sunday. Downtown Library. Folding instruction will be centered around the crane, but other styles will be available for people to learn once they master the crane fold. Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm-8:00pm. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Hospital. A 12-step program/support group for friends and families who have been affected by the addiction or drug problem of another. Meets in Sutter Room. 2900 Chanticleer Avenue. Newcomers, please come 15 minutes early to get acquainted. monday, september 3 Wellness Group 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Mondays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. Supporting mothers’ emotional health in the postpartum period. 477-2229. 2900 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz. Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. For crawlers through early walkers. Come let your young child crawl, creep and explore their motor skills in a fun and stimulating environment. Call 464-BUGS (2847) or drop by at 3910 Portola Drive. Ste. 2 & 3 Pleasure Point www.junebugsgym.com Free Community Swim Day 12pm-4pm. Simpkins Family Swim Center. Have fun with everything that Simpkins has to offer.

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 31


SEPTEMBER 2018 Also enjoy music and a BBQ hosted by the Boys and Girls Club. First-come, first-served. ARM-in-ARM Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Mondays. WomenCARE Office. Open to women with Advanced, Recurrent, or Metastatic cancer. Pre-registration (office intake and a conversation with the group facilitator) is required. Please call 831-457-2273 to provide us with necessary client information.

Grupo de apoyo femenino del superviviente 6pm-7:30pm. Martes en curso. En Espanol. Monarch Services ~ Servicios Monarca ofrece un espacio seguro y de apoyo. Gratis. Actividades de cuidado de niños proporcionadas. 1685 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. 425-4030. 24hr: 888 900-4232. Wcs-ddm.org Birth Center Tour 6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Call to register. Dominican Hospital, 1555 Soquel Dr, SC. 462-7709

tuesday, september 4 UCSC Arboretum: Community Day 9am5pm. UCSC Arboretum. The first Tuesday of each month, the Arboretum is open without charge to visitors. New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. Classes are drop-in (no pre-reg required) donations accepted (no required fee). 477-2229. 2900 Chanticleer Ave. Playbies Parenting Infant/Toddler Helpful Happy Hour 10am-1pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Coffee Lounge in Temple Beth El Aptos. Join us to play, socialize and talk babies. Have baby worries or parenting dilemmas? Wondering if you are doing this “right”? Get the answers you need to be a confident, joyful parent. Share strategies and get help from early parenting educators. Bring vegetarian snacks to share and all your parenting struggles and triumphs. Contact Shira at info@playbies.com or facebook.com/Playbies for more information. JuneBug’s Gym Back to School Open House 11am-4pm. First 1/2 hour free Open Gym, Refreshments, Raffle Prizes and $10.00 off monthly registration when signing up at this event. Come Join the Fun!!” Tumble-On-Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Ages walking to 7 years. Parents may leave children over 3 yrs. Call 464-BUGS (2847) to sign up or drop by at 3910 Portola Dr. Ste. 2 & 3 Pleasure Point-Santa Cruz. www.junebugsgym Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. WomenCARE’s Office. Open to newly diagnosed women throughout the course of their treatment and up to 4-6 months post-treatment. Pre-registration (office intake and a conversation with the group facilitator) is required. Please call 831457-2273. Youth Coalition Meeting 5pm-6:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Resource Center for Non-Violence. Ages 13-21. Get involved, get educated & become a community youth leader. Youth-designed & led group. Call first. 515 Broadway, SC. 427-5066 Family and Friends Cancer Support Group 5:30pm-7pm. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. WomenCARE’s Office. Open to friends and loved ones of people with cancer. Pre-registration (office intake and a conversation with the group facilitator) is required. 831-457-2273 Girl Cub Scout Sign Ups 6pm. La Madrona Athletic Club 1897 La Madrona Dr, Santa Cruz. All Girl Cub Scout Pack 673 Sign Up Night for Girls Grades K-5. Sign up at La Madrona or online at my.bsa.us/055paa 0673mb New members who sign up on September 4th will receive a free Scout Handbook.

32 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

Divorced Fathers Network 7:30-8:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos La Selva Fire Dept. DFN provides non-adversarial techniques to achieve healthy co-parenting through a support group network. 6934 Soquel Dr. 234-5578 wednesday, september 5 All Together Now! 9am-11am, Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. Share the joys and challenges of parenting as we grow and learn together. Drop-in classes in English for kids 0-5 years old. Recommended fee of $3-$7 for those able to pay. 1740 17th Ave. 476-7284. Latch Clinic 9am-11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Lactation office 610 Frederick St. Receive personalized, one-onone breastfeeding support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. A Baby Weigh® scale is also available. Bookshop Santa Cruz Story Time 10am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Bookshop invites any toddler or pre-school age children to listen to stories read by Mamoura Slike. 460-3251 Capitola Book Discussion Club 10am-11am. 1st Wednesday. Aptos Library. We will be reading Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler in September. Ribbon Arts Guild 10am-1pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Scotts Valley Library. Join Roxanne Langan for ribbon work and hand sewing. Genealogical DNA Special Interest Group 10:30am-12pm. Downtown Library. The Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz County explores the use of DNA in genealogical research. Triple P @ Together in the Park (drop-in playgroup) 10:30am-12 pm. Felton Covered Bridge Park, corner of Graham Hill Rd and Mt. Hermon Rd (across from Safeway). Parent education is offered as part of the Together in the Park drop-in playgroup led by Mountain Community Resources every Wednesday, April through October. Triple P Positive Parenting tip sheets are covered with all participants or in brief, one-on-one consultations. Offered in English or Spanish by Rosa Reyes, Community Bridges – Mountain Community Resources. All children and parents/caregivers are welcome. Light snacks will be provided. New Moms Support Group 11:30am-1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Free for babies 0-6 months old and their moms to discuss common concerns with other new moms. Dominican Rehab Yoga/Pilates Room. 610 Frederick St. One-On-One Tech Tutoring 12pm-1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Aptos Library. Trying to play with technology and getting frustrated? A tech savvy librarian will pro-

vide instruction in the use of a wide range of technoogy services

questions. 50% off your first beer with a Bookshop SC receipt for The Essex Serpent.

El Patio De Mi Casa 12pm-2pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. Inspiring playgroups for moms, dads, caregivers and children 0-5 years old. Instructor: Yolanda Provoste-Fuentes. Recommended fee of $3-$7 for those able to pay. Drop-in. Classes facilitated in Spanish. 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz. 476-7284

thursday, september 6

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See September 3. Blood Sugar Balance 1pm-2pm. New Leaf Community Market 1101 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz. Get tips on how to keep your blood sugar balanced, and feeling your best. Learn the signs for hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and what dietary habits lead to diabetes. Recipes and samples included! Register on the New Leaf website. Genealogical Society Lecture Series 1pm-3pm. 1st Wednesday. Downtown Library. Learn about a variety of resources, strategies, and tools in the field of family research. Santa Cruz Farmers Market 1pm-6pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Cedar and Lincoln St. A Day with Frog and Toad with All About Theatre 2:30pm-3:30pm. 325 Washington St. Do you have a budding performing aged 3 to 6 years? Uncertain about how they will react as it will be their first time? Come join us for a free introductory class. Check out our website for more details www.allabouttheatre.org or call 831-345-6340. Family Fun Night 3pm-5pm. 1st Wednesday. Capitola Mall. Female Survivor Support Group 6pm-7:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Monarch Services. Safe, supportive space for survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence. Childcare provided.1685 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. 425-4030. 24hr: 888 900-4232. Wcs-ddm.org Movie Night: Eating You Alive 6pm-8pm. New Leaf Community Market 1101 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz. This documentary that takes a scientific look at the reasons we’re so sick, who’s responsible for feeding us the wrong information, and how we can use whole-food, plant-based nutrition to take control of our health—one bite at a time. Register on the New Leaf website. Foster Parent Orientation Meeting 6pm-8pm. Live Oak Family Resource Center. There is a need for loving, stable families to care for children of all age groups all over Santa Cruz County. Be an adoptive or foster parent to a child, adolescent or teen. 1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. For information or to sign up for an orientation, please go to www.fostercare4kids.com or call 345-2700. Board in the Library 6:30pm-8:30pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesday. Scotts Valley Library. Adults need playtime too! Join this program for hours of tabletop gaming fun. Books and Brews: Community Read of The Essex Serpent 7pm. New Bohemia Brewing Company. Come discuss a beautiful book in a beautiful space with friends, booze, and pub food aplenty. We’ll set you up with a discussion group and provide you with discussion

Coffee Talk Social Hour 9am-10am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. FREE coffee, FREE talk; social support and information services for all. This program is designed to serve people experiencing homelessness, however it is an open space for all. Food Addicts Anonymous Meeting 9am. Ongoing Thursdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church. A 12-step group that helps people not eat addictively one day at a time. There are no fees. www.foodaddicts.com. 420 Melrose. Entrance is through the yellow gate to the library. New Parents with Babies 4 Months to 9 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. Classes are drop-in (no prereg required). 477-2229. Working Together: Information Navigation 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays (except the 27th). Downtown Library. Work with an information advocate on any information problem, application, resume or access issue of your choice. Armchair Travel Adventures 10:30am-12pm. 1st Thursday. La Selva Beach Library. Local residents sharing their travel adventures. Program includes photos and personal travel logs. Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See September 3. Do-It-Yourself Crafts 3pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Boulder Creek Library. Get creative! Kids, teens and families welcome! Meet and Greet with Westside Police 3:30pm-4:30pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Garfield Park Library. Come meet the officers assigned to the Westside! The Team intends to get to know the residents in our neighborhood better and to share safety tips. Spanish Conversation Group 4pm-5pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Aptos Library. Trying to work on your Spanish? Facilitator-led discussion and activities. All levels are welcome, including beginners. For more information contact Ivan Llamas at llamasi@ santacruzpl.org or 831-427-7702 Art Walk 5:30pm-8pm. 1st Thursday. Capitola Mall (Macy’s Wing). Local artists, a featured charity every month and live entertainment. Support your local artists! Triple P 8-Week Group: For families with children 2-12 years old 5:30pm–7:30pm Ongoing Thursdays through October 18. Mountain Community Resources, 6134 Highway 9, Felton. Attend this 8-week Triple P Group to meet other families and learn simple strategies to help you: Strengthen relationships in your family; Encourage positive behaviors; Teach your child new skills & behaviors; Handle disruptive or challenging behaviors with greater confidence; Take care of yourself as a parent. This Triple P Group is FREE and open to the public. Free child care is available with advance registration. Light snacks will be provided for adults and children. Presented in English by: Cori Burt, Community Bridges – Mountain Commu-


SEPTEMBER 2018

photo by: brad Kava FIDO FUN Parks and Rex is one of the great Santa Cruz activities, held yearly at the Simpkins Swim Center. It was held this year on Aug. 25, with activities for kids, dogs and kids and dogs together to benefit animal and youth activities. Check this space to sign up for next year’s event. nity Resources To register: Contact Cori Burt at (831) 335-6600 x6605 or corib@cbridges.org or register online at http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent‐trainings Grupo Triple P de 8 Semanas: Para familias con niños 2 – 12 años 6pm–8 pm. Cada jueves al 27 de septiembre, La Manzana Recursos Comunitarios, 18 W. Lake Ave, Sala E, Watsonville Asista por 8 semanas a este grupo de Triple P para conocer a otras familias y aprender estrategias sencillas que le ayudaran a: Fortalecer las relaciones en su familia; Fomentar conductas positivas; Enseñarle a su niño habilidades y comportamientos nuevos; Manipular las conductas disruptivas o problemáticas con mayor confianza; Cuidar de usted mismo como padre. Este grupo es gratis y abierto al público. Inscríbase para reservar su lugar y obtener el cuidado de sus niños gratis. Se proporcionarán bocadillos ligeros para niños y adultos. Presentado en español por: Sandra Rodelo, Puentes de la Comunidad – La Manzana Recursos Comunitarios Para inscribirse: Comuníquese con Sandra Rodelo al (831) 724-2997 x211 o sandrar@cbridges.org o vea el calendario en http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent-trainings Shake the Square: Salsa 6pm-7:30pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Abbott Square. Get moving in a series of free movement classes in Abbott Square. Dance and instructor will be announced soon! Entre Nosotras 6pm-8pm. 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. WomenCARE’s Watsonville Office. Open to Spanish-speaking women with all kinds of cancer. Groups are led in Spanish and meet at our Watsonville office. Please call 831-761-3973 for details.

Trivia on Tap 6pm-7:30pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Steel Bonnet Brewing Company. Join Santa Cruz Public Libraries for trivia night. Form a team (or take it on solo), and compete against other groups to win the grand prize. Motown, R&B, and Oldies (Backyard Blues Band ft. Mario Valens) 6pm-8pm. Watsonville Plaza. Citizen Science 6:30pm-8pm. 1st Thursday. Downtown Library. SCPL is partnering with the Children’s Museum of Discovery (MOD), UCSC and The Natural History Museum to present a science series for adults and teens. friday, september 7 Free First Friday 10am-10pm. Santa Cruz MAH. Explore three floors of exhibitions for free and dig into a hands-on activity that’s great for all ages Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1. Free First Friday 11am-4pm. Natural History Museum. Enjoy the Museum for FREE with your family on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy our intertidal touch pool and large-screen microscope. PLUS get a sneakpeek at our annual Art of Nature exhibit. 1305 East Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz. 420-6115 Fun n’ Tumble Open Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Fridays at JuneBugs Gym. Ages: walking to 7 years. Parents may leave children over 3 yrs. Parents can drop off their children for 1, 2 or all 3 hours for tumbling fun! Call

464-BUGS (2847) to sign up or drop by at 3910 Portola Dr. Ste. 2 & 3 Pleasure PointSanta Cruz. www.junebugsgym UCSC Farm and Garden Market Cart 12pm-6pm. Base of the UCSC Campus (corner of Bay and High St.). Get fresh organic vegetables, herbs, and beautiful flower bouquets grown at the UCSC Farm and Alan Chadwick Garden. Market Cart continues every Friday through late October.

Make Night at the MAH 5pm-8pm. Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz MAH. Make art, forts, toys, sculptures and so much more! Every week will be new and exciting. Shabbat at the Beach 6pm. Seabright Beach across from the SC Museum of Natural History. Bring your own picnic at 6pm and then join us for Family Slichot Shabbat Singing Service & Bonfire at 7pm. saturday, september 8

Watsonville Farmers Market 2pm-7pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Watsonville Plaza. This market is in the heart of the famously bountiful Pajaro Valley. Peaceful and familyoriented, the Hispanic heritage of this community gives this market a “mercado” feel. You’ll find a large variety of Latin American treats, including some lesser known dishes such as pambasos, huarache and chicharrones. Auditions for Festival Strings and Cabrillo Strings 3:45pm-4:15pm. Cabrillo Music Building VAPA 5000. String players ages 5 to 18 are welcome to join the private lesson and string orchestral programs. Rehearsals will be on Fridays from 4:15-5:55. (831) 479-6101 or see our Cabrillo.edu website, cabrillo.edu/academics/music/suzuki Cabrillo Youth Strings Music Program 4pm5:15pm. Ongoing Fridays. An entry level String Orchestra Class, 4th-6th Grade Beginning Strings for violin, viola and cello. Students must provide their own instruments. Please call (831) 479-6101 or see our Cabrillo.edu website, cabrillo.edu/academics/music/suzuki.

Aptos Farmers Market 8am-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College. See September 1. River Health Day 9am-12pm. Meet at the Santa Cruz Riverwalk adjacent to Mimi De Marta Dog Park on 119 Broadway. Volunteers will help with caring for native plants as they grow and create habitat along the river. Register at https://coastal-watershed.org/ event/river-health-day-copy/ Open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays. See September 1. Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. See September 1. Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr. Life on the Ranch 11am-3pm. Wilder Ranch. Hands-on activities and living history presentations vary each month and may include: butter churning, ice cream making, branding, cooking, roping skills, wagon rides, and demonstrations in the ranch buildings.

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 33


SEPTEMBER 2018 Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1.

Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road). See September 2.

Second Saturdays in Historic Felton 11am-4pm. Downtown Felton. Free, familyfriendly event featuring live music, pop-up vendors, local artisans, and more.

Adult Arts and Crafts 2pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Felton Public Library. See Sept 2

Ohlone Day 11am-4pm. Henry Cowell State Park. Event features hands-on experiences to relate Ohlone cultural, social, and everyday life.

Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm-8:00pm. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Room. Sutter Hospital, 2900 Chanticleer Avenue. See September 2. monday, september 10

DIY Family Crafts 11am-4pm. Branciforte Library. Ongoing Saturdays. Board in the Library 12pm-5pm. 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Boulder Creek Library. See Sept 5. Author Talk with Local Mystery Writer Leslie Karst 1pm-2:30pm. La Selva Beach Library. In Death al Fresco, lawyer-turned-restaurateur protagonist Sally Solari faces a catastrophic culinary conundrum. When her father is fingered for murder, it’s up to Sally to serve up the real killer before their family restaurant’s reputation goes up in smoke. Community Poetry Circle 1pm-3pm. 2nd Saturday. Aptos Library. Join our poetry writing group led by local poet, Magdalena Montagne. Create your poems in a friendly supportive atmosphere. Chess Instruction 2pm-3pm. Ongoing Saturdays except the first. Downtown Library. Children’s chess instruction with full time teacher and master, Gjon Feinstein, for students up to 18 years old. Parents and/or other relatives are welcome to participate. Spanish Speaking Cancer Support Group 3pm-4:30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. WomenCARE’s Office. Open to Spanish-speaking women with all kinds of cancer. Provides emotional support, education, and referrals to other social services. Group is led in Spanish. Please call 831-336-8662 to register. Live Music by DJ Omambo 7:30pm-9:30pm. Abbott Square. Enjoy live danceable music. sunday, september 9 Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr. Santa Cruz Antique Faire 9am-5pm. Lincoln St. You will find an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles and more! Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am-10:15am. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center. See September 2. Sunday Play at the MAH 11am-2pm. Ongoing Sundays. Santa Cruz MAH. See September 2. Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1. Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing). Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. See September 2.

34 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

Children’s Rosh Hashanah Service and Program (1st through 8th Graders) 9:15am-1pm. Temple Beth El. tbeaptos.org (831) 479-3444 Junior Congregation Family Rosh HaShanah Service 9:30am-11:30am. Temple Beth El. tbeaptos.org (831) 479-3444 Junior High Rosh HaShanah Service and Program 9:30am-11:45am. Temple Beth El. tbeaptos.org (831) 479-3444 Teen Youth Group Rosh HaShanah Service 10am-11am. Temple Beth El. tbeaptos.org (831) 479-3444 Wellness Group 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Mondays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See September 3. Music Together Demonstration Classes 10am and 11am. MOD in the Capitola Mall. Learn about the award-winning, researchbased music program Music Together! Music Together fosters an environment in which the joys of music-making and the powerful benefits of having music in your young child’s life can be shared. Our curriculum supports grownups to use our music & home materials to further engage children & experience the fun too! Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See September 3. ARM-in-ARM Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Mondays. WomenCARE Office. See September 3. New Mommy Musical MeetUp 12:30pm-2pm. Every 2nd Monday. Native Sons’ Hall. Bring your little ones and join the FREE MeetUp to mingle with other new mommies and learn how to integrate music making in your baby’s life from a certified Music Together teacher. 239 High Street. http://www.musicalme.com/ Very Young Family (ages 7 and under) Rosh Hashanah Service 3pm-3:45pm. Temple Beth El. tbeaptos.org (831) 479-3444 Knitting in the Library 3pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Mondays. Scotts Valley Library. All you need to do is bring some yarn and knitting needles. All ages are welcome. For more info call 831-427-7712. James and the Giant Peach Jr. All About Theatre 4pm-6pm. 325 Washington St. Do you have a budding performing aged 6 to 10 years? Interested in seeing how we teach and learning more about the process of auditioning and the show? Come join us for a free week of introductory sessions. Check out our website for more details www.allabouttheatre.org or call 831-345-6340.

Triple P Seminar: Raising Responsible Teens 5:30pm-7pm. La Manzana Community Resources, 18 W. Lake Ave, Suite E, Watsonville. Triple P seminars offer general parenting tips that can be used in a wide range of situations. This seminar is the first in a series of three for families with teens 13 – 16 years old. You can attend one, two or all three of the seminars in the series. “Raising Responsible Teens” offers parenting strategies you can use to encourage teens to: Participate in family decisions; Be respectful and considerate; Be involved in family activities; Develop a healthy lifestyle; Be reliable; Be assertive. This Triple P Seminar is free and open to the public. Free child care is available with advance registration. Light snacks will be provided for children and adults. Presented in English by: Gladys Gómez, Community Bridges – La Manzana Community Resources To register: Contact Gladys Gómez at (831) 724-297 x220 or gladysg@cbridges.org or register online at http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent-trainings Movie Night: Fed Up 6pm-8pm. New Leaf Community Market 1101 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz. This documentary focuses on the causes of obesity in the US, presenting evidence showing that the large quantities of sugar in processed foods are an overlooked root of the problem, and points to the monied lobbying power of “Big Sugar” in blocking attempts to enact policies to address the issue. Register on the New Leaf website. Rock Hashanah Musical Service for all ages 7pm-8:30pm. Temple Beth El. tbeaptos.org (831) 479-3444

chardschoolaptos.org for more info. Lego Club 3:30pm-5pm (Felton Library). 3:15pm-4:45pm (Scotts Valley Library). Ongoing Tuesdays (except Sept 4). Directed LEGO construction for kids 6 and older. Each week we will construct models based on a common theme. Tales to Tails 4pm-5pm. Scotts Valley Library. See Sept 1. James and the Giant Peach Jr. All About Theatre 4pm-6pm. 325 Washington St. See Sept 10. Tashlich 5pm-5:30pm. Natural Bridges State Beach and Rio Del Mar Beach Youth Coalition Meeting 5pm-6:30pm. Free. Ongoing Tuesdays. Resource Center for NonViolence. See Sept 4. Open House at Coast Redwoods Montessori Preschool 5pm-6:30pm. 255B Mount Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley. For more info contact Mindy at mindy@coastredwoods montessori.com or 831-461-9330. 3 Keys to Healing Your Gut and Boosting Your Health 6pm-8pm. New Leaf Community Market 1101 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz. Rebecca will teach you three keys to transform your energy, weight and gut health to fix your symptoms. Leave with tools that will help you take your health to a whole new level. Register on the New Leaf website.

tuesday, september 11

Grupo de apoyo femenino del superviviente 6pm-7:30pm. Martes en curso. En Espanol. Monarch Services. Ver 4 del septiembre.

New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See Sept 4.

Birth Center Tour 6:30pm. Free. Ongoing Tuesdays. Call to register. Dominican Hospital. See September 4.

Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Tuesdays (except Sept 4). Branciforte Library. For families with children ages 0-3 years old. It includes music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, songs and fun for your child and you as well as social time with other children and their caregivers. Playbies Parenting Infant/Toddler Helpful Happy Hour 10am-1pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Coffee Lounge in Temple Beth El. See Sept 4. Preschool Storytime 11am-12pm. Ongoing Tuesdays (except Sept 4). Scotts Valley Library. Program for 3-6 year olds. We will read books, sing songs and make a simple craft. Tumble-On-Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. See Sept 4. Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. WomenCARE’s Office. See Sept 4. Lego and Duplo Fun 1:30pm-3:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays (except Sept 4). Branciforte Library. Children learn through play and bricks provide a wonderful link between structure, patterns and imagination. Let’s build and learn together! Ages 3 and older as the LEGO bricks are very small. Orchard Circus Arts Class 3:30pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Orchard School. Includes juggling, unicycling, stilt walking, and more with Rock Lerum. Drop-in basis. Please contact the school at 688-1074, or www.or-

Divorced Fathers Network 7:30-8:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos La Selva Fire Dept. See September 4. wednesday, september 12 All Together Now! 9am-11am, Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See September 5. Latch Clinic 9am-11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Lactation office 610 Frederick St. See September 5. Bookshop Santa Cruz Story Time 10am. Ongoing Wednesdays. See September 5. Triple P @ Together in the Park (drop-in playgroup) 10:30am-12 pm. Felton Covered Bridge Park. See September 5. New Moms Support Group 11:30am-1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Yoga/Pilates Room 610 Frederick St. See September 5. One-On-One Tech Tutoring 12pm-1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Aptos Library. See Sept 5. El Patio De Mi Casa 12pm-2pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See September 5. Santa Cruz County Fair 12pm-10pm. Ongoing through Sept 16th. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.


SEPTEMBER 2018

photo by: brad Kava FUNDAY Sundays are fun days at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, where tables are set up for kids to create art. There’s something for kids at the museum nearly every day. Check the calendar. Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See September 3. Dance for Parkinson’s 1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays except the first Wednesday of the month. Motion Pacific Dance. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinson’s no matter how advanced. No Dance Experience is Required. Free. Santa Cruz Farmers Market 1pm-6pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Cedar and Lincoln St. See September 5. Branciforte Writers 4pm-6pm. 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Branciforte Library. Writing for Children Group Support group for adults who are writing for children: Stories and Non-Fiction. All ages- from picture books to young adult. James and the Giant Peach Jr. All About Theatre 4pm-6pm. 325 Washington St. See Sept 10. Female Survivor Support Group 6pm-7:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Monarch Services. See September 5. Courtenay Hameister: Okay Fine Whatever: The Year I Went from Being Afraid of Everything to Only Being Afraid of Most Things 7pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz. This is Courtenay’s hold-nothing-back account of her adventures on the front lines of Mere Human Woman vs. Fear, reminding us that even the tiniest amount of bravery is still bravery, and that no matter who you are, it’s possible to fight complacency and become bold, or at least bold-ish, a little at a time.

thursday, september 13 Coffee Talk Social Hour 9am-10am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. See Sept 6. Food Addicts Anonymous Meeting 9am. Ongoing Thursdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church. See September 6. New Parents with Babies 4 Months to 9 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See September 6. Working Together: Information Navigation 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays (except the 27th). Downtown Library. Santa Cruz County Fair 12pm-10pm. Ongoing through Sept 16th. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Step Parents Support Group 12pm-1pm. 2nd Thursday. Drop-in support group for anyone in the step-parenting role. We meet at various locations. Email Hannah mommystub@ gmail.com for more details. Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See September 3. Do-It-Yourself Crafts 3pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Boulder Creek Library. See Sept 6.

Triple P 8-Week Group: For families with children 2-12 years old 5:30pm–7:30pm Ongoing Thursdays through October 18. Mountain Community Resources. See September 6.

Live Oak Library Book Group 2pm-3pm. 2nd Friday. Live Oak Library. Check with the front desk staff for the current month’s book selection.

Grupo Triple P de 8 Semanas: Para familias con niños 2 – 12 años 6pm–8pm. Cada jueves al 27 de septiembre, La Manzana Recursos Comunitarios, 18 W. Lake Ave, Sala E, Watsonville. Ver 6 del septiembre. friday, september 14 Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Fridays except the 1st. Downtown Library. Program for families with children ages 0-3 years old. It includes music, movement, stories, fingerplays, rhymes, songs and fun for your child and you as well as social time with other children and their caregivers. Preschool Storytime 10am-11am. Ongoing Fridays except the 1st. Aptos Library. We’ll read books, sing songs and make a simple craft! Suggested ages 3-6. Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1.

Watsonville Farmers Market 2pm-7pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Watsonville Plaza. See September 7. Make Night at the MAH 5pm-8pm. Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz MAH. See September 7. Live Music by Green Dog 6:30pm-9pm. Abbott Square. Enjoy a night of acoustic classic rock. saturday, september 15 Aptos Farmers Market 8am-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College. See September 1. Annual Coastal Cleanup Day 9am-12pm. Seabright Beach. Join people around the world in cleaning up the coast! Give our adopted beach at Seabright some love and keep trash out of the ocean. Open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays. See September 1.

Fun n’ Tumble Open Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Fridays at JuneBugs Gym. See September 7.

Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. See September 1.

UCSC Farm and Garden Market Cart 12pm-6pm. Base of the UCSC Campus (corner of Bay and High St.). See September 7.

Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr.

Santa Cruz County Fair 12pm-10pm. Ongoing through Sept 16th. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.

Saturdays in the Soil 10am-12pm. Natural History Museum. See Sept 1.

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 35


SEPTEMBER 2018 Santa Cruz County Fair 10pm-10pm. Ongoing through Sept 16th. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.

Origami for Peace with Nate and Drew 3pm5pm. 1st and 3rd Sunday. Downtown Library. See Sept 2.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1.

Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm-8:00pm. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Room. Sutter Hospital, 2900 Chanticleer Avenue. See September 2.

DIY Family Crafts 11am-4pm (Branciforte Library). 11am-1pm (Garfield Park Library). Ongoing Saturdays. Chess Instruction 2pm-3pm. Ongoing Saturdays except the first. Downtown Library. See Sept 8. Community Poetry Circle 2pm-4pm. 3rd Saturday. Scotts Valley Library. Join our poetry writing group led by local poet, Magdalena Montagne. Create your poems in a friendly supportive atmosphere. Live Music by Kit Bragg 7:30pm-9:30pm. Abbott Square. sunday, september 16 Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr. Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am-10:15am. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center. See September 2. Paws in the Park 10am-11am. Meet along the Riverwalk at Gateway Plaza by PetSmart. Walks begin at with rules, directions and free training advice from Woofpack. Walk a 1.5mile loop around the Riverwalk. All dogs must be well behaved and on 6 foot leashes.

monday, september 17 Wellness Group 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Mondays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See September 3. Medicare Explained Lecture Series 11am12pm. Scotts Valley Library. Everything you wanted to know about Medicare but were afraid to ask. Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See September 3. ARM-in-ARM Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Mondays. WomenCARE Office. See September 3. Digestive Wellness 1pm-2pm. New Leaf Community Market 1101 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz. Did you know almost 25% of the US population suffers from digestive issues? This class focuses on improving digestive function by addressing stomach acid, bile, diverticulitis and gut flora. Register on the New Leaf website.

2016 shocked America. How have authors working in America responded to such a seismic political event? Join us for a lively discussion as a panel of Bay Area authors share the ways their work has been affected by the Trump presidency. tuesday, september 18 New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See September 4. Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Tuesdays (except Sept 4). Branciforte Library. See Sept 11.

Preschool Storytime 11am-12pm. Ongoing Tuesdays (except Sept 4). Scotts Valley Library. See Sept 11. Tumble-On-Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. See September 4. Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. WomenCARE’s Office. See September 4. Movie Discussion Club 1pm-2pm. 3rd Tuesday. La Selva Beach Library. Lego and Duplo Fun 1:30pm-3:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays (except Sept 4). Branciforte Library. See Sept 11.

Santa Cruz County Fair 10pm-10pm. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.

Tales to Tails 3:30pm-4:30pm. Aptos Library. See Sept 1.

Orchard Circus Arts Class 3:30pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Orchard School. See Sept 11.

Sunday Play at the MAH 11am-2pm. Ongoing Sundays. Santa Cruz MAH. See September 2.

Triple P Seminars: Raising Competent Teens 5:30pm-7pm. La Manzana Community Resources, 18 W. Lake Ave, Suite E, Watsonville. Triple P seminars offer general parenting tips that can be used in a wide range of situations. This seminar is the second in a series of three for families with teens 13 – 16 years old. You can attend one, two or all three of the seminars in the series. Attend this FREE parenting seminar to learn strategies to encourage your teen to become a confident, competent young adult. Seminar participants will learn ways to help teens: Develop self-discipline; Develop problem solving skills; Establish routines; Get involved in school activities; Follow school rules; and Develop supportive friendships. This Triple P Seminar is free and open to the public. Free child care is available with advance registration. Light snacks will be provided for children and adults. Presented in English by: Gladys Gómez, Community Bridges – La Manzana Community Resources To register: Contact Gladys Gómez at (831) 724-297 x220 or gladysg@cbridges.org or register online at http://first5scc.org/calendar/ parent-trainings

Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing). Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. See September 2. Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road). See September 2. Science Sunday 1:30pm-2:30pm. Every 3rd Sunday. Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Lectures are designed to make science interesting and “user-friendly” for everyone. Free with membership, admission, or valid UCSC student ID. Madeline Jarzembak 2pm. Cabrillo College Samper Recital Hall. Principal Harp. Womb Song 2pm-3:30pm. Every 3rd Sunday. The Pacific Cultural Center. Prepare for labor and life through vocal toning and breathing exercises. Circles are open to all mothers, mothers-to-be, those trying to conceive, birth workers and women who love to sing. No musical experience necessary, dropins welcome. More info and details at: www.wombsong.com Adult Arts and Crafts 2pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Felton Public Library. See Sept 2.

36 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

PMS Solutions: Balance Your Hormones! 6pm-7:30pm. New Leaf Community Market 1101 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz. Learn the why behind your PMS! In this class you will get acquainted with the reasons behind your body going through PMS and how to use this knowledge to help diminish all your challenging symptoms. Register on the New Leaf website. Claire Tristram: Writing in the Age of Trump: A Panel Discussion of Bay Area Authors 7pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz. Trump’s election in

Grupo de apoyo femenino del superviviente 6pm-7:30pm. Martes en curso. En Espanol. Monarch Services. Ver 4 del septiembre. Birth Center Tour 6:30pm. Free. Ongoing Tuesdays. Call to register. Dominican Hospital. See September 4. Divorced Fathers Network 7:30-8:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos La Selva Fire Dept. See September 4. wednesday, september 19

Playbies Parenting Infant/Toddler Helpful Happy Hour 10am-1pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Coffee Lounge in Temple Beth El. See Sept 4.

Knitting in the Library 3pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Mondays. Scotts Valley Library. See Sept 10.

Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1.

Family and Friends Cancer Support Group 5:30pm-7pm. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. WomenCARE’s Office. See September 4.

Lego Club 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Tuesdays (except Sept 4). Felton Library. See Sept 11. Youth Coalition Meeting 5pm-6:30pm. Free. Ongoing Tuesdays. Resource Center for NonViolence. See September 4. Taco Tuesday 5pm-7:30pm. Felton Covered Bridge Park. Join Food Trucks A Go Go for Taco Tuesday. Taller de Triple P: Ayudando a los adolescentes a lidiar con la depresión 5:30pm-7pm. La Manzana Recursos Comunitarios, 18 W. Lake Ave, Sala E, Watsonville. Los talleres de Triple P ofrecen consejos prácticos y estrategias para manejar las preguntas y desafíos de crianza específicas. Los padres pueden asistir a tantos talleres sobre cualquier tema que se interese. Asista a este taller de crianza para aprender: Causas comunes y señales de la depresión en los adolescentes; Qué hacer si cree que su adolescente está deprimido; Consejos para ayudar a los adolescentes a desarrollar habilidades saludables para sobrellevar la depresión. Este taller es gratis y abierto al público. Inscríbase para reservar su lugar y obtener el cuidado de sus niños gratis. Se proporcionarán bocadillos ligeros para niños y adultos. Presentado en español por: Sandra Rodelo, Puentes de la Comunidad – La Manzana Recursos Comunitarios Para inscribirse: Comuníquese con Sandra Rodelo al (831) 724-2997 x211 o sandrar@cbridges.org o vea el calendario en http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent-trainings

All Together Now! 9am-11am, Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See September 5. Latch Clinic 9am-11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Lactation office 610 Frederick St. See September 5. Children’s Yom Kippur Service and Program (1st through 8th Graders) 9:15am-1pm. Temple Beth El. tbeaptos.org (831) 479-3444 Junior Congregation Family Yom Kippur Service 9:30am-11:30am. Temple Beth El. tbeaptos.org (831) 479-3444 Junior High Yom Kippur Service and Program 9:30am-11:45am. Temple Beth El. tbeaptos.org (831) 479-3444 Teen Youth Group Yom Kippur Service 10am-11am. Temple Beth El. tbeaptos.org (831) 479-3444 Bookshop Santa Cruz Story Time 10am. Ongoing Wednesdays. See September 5. Ribbon Arts Guild 10am-1pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Scotts Valley Library. See Sept 5. New Moms Support Group 11:30am-1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Yoga/Pilates Room 610 Frederick St. See September 5. Triple P @ Together in the Park (drop-in playgroup) 10:30am-12 pm. Felton Covered Bridge Park. See September 5. Genealogical Research Group 10:30am12pm. 3rd Wednesday. La Selva Beach Library. Interested in genealogy? At a dead-end? Have a new source to share? Join us for hands-on research using the library’s databases and internet resources. One-On-One Tech Tutoring 12pm-1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Aptos Library. See Sept 5. El Patio De Mi Casa 12pm-2pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See September 5. Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See September 3. Dance for Parkinson’s 1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays except the first Wednesday of the month. Motion Pacific Dance. See September 12.


SEPTEMBER 2018

photo by: Kevin painchaud CHECK, MATE Santa Cruz Chess Club plays over the board (OTB) chess every Tuesday starting at 5pm at Pleasure Pizza at 1415 Pacific Ave. On Saturday at Aegis Living Aptos at 125 Heather Terrace chess starts about 1pm. There’s also a kids chess club at the Downtown Library Saturdays. Aptos Writing Group 1pm-3pm. 3rd Wednesday. Aptos Library. Those interested in: sharing their writing; improving and developing their writing; or trying their hand at writing for the first time, are welcome.

thursday, september 20

Santa Cruz Farmers Market 1pm-6pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Cedar and Lincoln St. See September 5.

Food Addicts Anonymous Meeting 9am. Ongoing Thursdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church. See September 6.

Branciforte Book Discussion Group 1:30pm2:30pm. 3rd Wednesday. Branciforte Library. This month’s book will be All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr.

Working Together: Information Navigation 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays (except the 27th). Downtown Library.

CASE Art Club 2pm-4pm. 3nd Wednesday. Scotts Valley Library. CASE stands for Creative, Artistic, Scientific, Expressive. A new monthly class for kids ages 6-10. Come craft with Anna and learn about the relationship between art and science. Very Young Family (ages 7 and under) Yom Kippur Service 4:45pm-5:30pm. Temple Beth El. tbeaptos.org (831) 479-3444 Evening Non-Fiction Book Discussion Group 6pm-7pm. 3rd Wednesday. La Selva Beach Library. Group will discussion current non-fiction books as selected by members.

Coffee Talk Social Hour 9am-10am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. See Sept 6.

New Parents with Babies 4 Months to 9 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See September 6. Boulder Creek Library Book Club 11am12pm. 3rd Thursday. Boulder Creek Library. Munching with Mozart 12:10pm-12:50. 3rd Thursday. Downtown Library. Free noontime concerts. You are welcome to bring your lunch, but please no crunchy food items. Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See September 3.

Female Survivor Support Group 6pm7:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Monarch Services. See September 5.

Do-It-Yourself Crafts 3pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Boulder Creek Library. See Sept 6.

Board in the Library 6:30pm-8:30pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesday. Scotts Valley Library. See Sept 5.

Meet and Greet with Westside Police 3:30pm-4:30pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Garfield Park Library. See Sept 6.

Mariam Gates: This Moment is Your Life (and So Is This One): A Fun and Easy Guide to Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga 7pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz. This is an illustrated guide for teens and tweens that offers an engaging introduction to yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.

Preschool Storytime 10am-11am. Ongoing Fridays except the 1st. Aptos Library. See Sept 14. Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1.

Spanish Conversation Group 4pm-5pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Aptos Library. See Sept 6.

Fun n’ Tumble Open Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Fridays at JuneBugs Gym. See September 7.

Triple P 8-Week Group: For families with children 2-12 years old 5:30pm–7:30pm Ongoing Thursdays through October 18. Mountain Community Resources. See September 6.

UCSC Farm and Garden Market Cart 12pm-6pm. Base of the UCSC Campus (corner of Bay and High St.). See September 7. Watsonville Farmers Market 2pm-7pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Watsonville Plaza. See September 7.

Shake the Square: Yoga 6pm-7:30pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Abbott Square. See September 6.

Make Night at the MAH: Friendship Bracelets 5pm-8pm. Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz MAH. See September 7.

Entre Nosotras 6pm-8pm. 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. WomenCARE’s Watsonville Office. See September 6.

Grateful Dead Night with Rosebud 6:30pm-9pm. Abbott Square.

Trivia on Tap 6pm-7:30pm. 1st and 3rd Thursdays. Steel Bonnet Brewing Company. See Sept 6.

saturday, september 22

Grupo Triple P de 8 Semanas: Para familias con niños 2 – 12 años 6pm–8pm. Cada jueves al 27 de septiembre, La Manzana Recursos Comunitarios, 18 W. Lake Ave, Sala E, Watsonville. Ver 6 del septiembre. friday, september 21 Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Fridays except the 1st. Downtown Library. See Sept 14.

Aptos Farmers Market 8am-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College. See September 1. Open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays. See September 1. Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. See September 1.

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 37


SEPTEMBER 2018 Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr. Rockin Pop Up 10am-5pm. 4th Saturday. Natural History Museum. Free with admission. Have a rock that needs identifying? Like digging for fossils? Geologists will be at the Museum, ready to ID your local (or not-solocal) geologic finds, as well as show off a rotating collection of specimens. Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1. DIY Family Crafts 11am-4pm. Branciforte Library. Ongoing Saturdays. Board in the Library 12pm-5pm. 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Boulder Creek Library. See Sept 5. Chess Instruction 2pm-3pm. Ongoing Saturdays except the first. Downtown Library. See Sept 8. Spanish Speaking Cancer Support Group 3pm-4:30pm. 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. WomenCARE’s Office. See September 8. Meet the Doulas 4pm-6pm. Pacific Cultural Center. Considering a Doula on your birth team? Wondering what a postpartum doula does? Enjoy a panel presentation about Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula services followed by time to interact with doulas and learn some “doula tricks of the trade.” Register for free at www.mtdsep2018.eventbrite.com/ Live Music by Coastal Greeting 7:30pm-9:30pm. Abbott Square. sunday, september 23 Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr. Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am-10:15am. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center. See September 2. Sunday Play at the MAH 11am-2pm. Ongoing Sundays. Santa Cruz MAH. See September 2. Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1. Jacob’s Heart Kidrageous Golden Carnival Event 12pm-5pm. Watsonville Plaza. An amazing day of fun for your entire family. Carnival fun fills the day with music, dance, magicians, costumed characters, arts and crafts, SLIME, bounce houses, face painting, an amazing raffle, pony rides, petting zoo, live entertainment and much more. For more information: www.jacobsheart.org/carnival/ Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing). Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. See September 2.

Race Through Time 1pm-5pm. Abbott Square/MAH. Grab your friends and sign-up for the epic local history scavenger hunt. Walk or bike throughout downtown Santa Cruz to answer clues and win awesome prizes. $20 per group of 2-5 people, $15 for MAH Members (group of 2-5 people) Sign-up at abbottsquare.org Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road). See September 2. Adult Arts and Crafts 2pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Felton Public Library. See Sept 2. Alice and Lisa Hoffman: Faerie Knitting: 14 Tales of Love & Magic 4pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz. A magical melding of words and yarn where the ordinary is turned into the extraordinary and where imagination becomes creation. Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm-8:00pm. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Room. Sutter Hospital, 2900 Chanticleer Avenue. See September 2. monday, september 24 Wellness Group 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Mondays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See September 3. Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See September 3. ARM-in-ARM Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Mondays. WomenCARE Office. See September 3. Knitting in the Library 3pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Mondays. Scotts Valley Library. See Sept 10. Triple P Seminar: Getting Teens Connected 5:30pm-7pm. La Manzana Community Resources, 18 W. Lake Ave, Suite E, Watsonville. Attend this parenting seminar to learn strategies to encourage your teen to form positive connections with others. Seminar participants will learn ways to help teens: Be confident; Develop social skills; Plan ahead; Keep their commitments; and Take care of others. This Triple P Seminar is free and open to the public. Free child care is available with advance registration. Light snacks will be provided for children and adults. Presented in English by: Gladys Gómez, Community Bridges – La Manzana Community Resources To register: Contact Gladys Gómez at (831) 724-297 x220 or gladysg@cbridges.org or register online at http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent-trainings Mary Jo McConahay: The Tango War: The Struggle for the Hearts, Minds and Riches of Latin America During World War II 7pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz. This deep dive into the role of Latin America in World War II, The Tango War features two long-time Santa Cruz residents, Heidi Gurcke Donald, who spent some of her early years in the Crystal City concentration camp, and Maya Sapper, whose father was taken from her in Guatemala for several years as an “enemy alien.” Ms. Donald and Ms. Sapper will be in attendance for the event.

tuesday, september 25

Tumble-On-Tuesdays at JuneBug’s Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. See September 4.

Taller de Triple P: Lidiando con el estrés 5:30pm-7:30pm. La biblioteca pública de Watsonville, Sala comunitaria, 275 Main St, #100, Watsonville. Los talleres de Triple P ofrecen consejos prácticos y estrategias para manejar las preguntas y desafíos de crianza específicas. Los padres pueden asistir a tantos talleres sobre cualquier tema que se interese. Asista a este taller de crianza para aprender: Las causas comunes del estrés y cómo el estrés afecta la crianza; Cómo reconocer las señales del estrés; Formas saludables para reducir y controlar el estrés de la vida diaria. Este taller es gratis y abierto al público. Inscríbase para reservar su lugar y obtener el cuidado de sus niños gratis. Se proporcionarán bocadillos ligeros para niños y adultos. Presentado en español por: Sandra Rodelo, Puentes de la Comunidad – La Manzana Recursos Comunitarios Para inscribirse: Comuníquese con Sandra Rodelo al (831) 724-2997 x211 o sandrar@cbridges.org o vea el calendario en http://first5scc.org/calendar/parent-trainings

Cancer Support Group 12:30pm-2pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. WomenCARE’s Office. See September 4.

Grupo de apoyo femenino del superviviente 6pm-7:30pm. Martes en curso. En Espanol. Monarch Services. Ver 4 del septiembre.

Kick the Sugar Habit 1pm-2pm. New Leaf Community Market 1101 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz. Learn how to identify sugar sources, sugar swapping, balanced meals, and reading labels. Register on the New Leaf website.

Hidden Gems Film Club 6pm-8pm. Aptos Library. Foreign films, documentaries, independents and even some mainstream movies you might have missed! If you wish, bring a snack to share, and participate in the discussion!

New Parents with Babies 3 Weeks to 4 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Tuesdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See September 4. Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Tuesdays (except Sept 4). Branciforte Library. See Sept 11. Playbies Parenting Infant/Toddler Helpful Happy Hour 10am-1pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Coffee Lounge in Temple Beth El. See Sept 4. Preschool Storytime 11am-12pm. Ongoing Tuesdays (except Sept 4). Scotts Valley Library. See Sept 11.

Lego and Duplo Fun 1:30pm-3:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays (except Sept 4). Branciforte Library. See Sept 11. Stepping Stones Triple P Workshop: Promoting Language and Communication 3pm4:30pm. Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz. Stepping Stones Triple P offers parenting support for families with children with special needs, such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome and other developmental delays. Stepping Stones Triple P Workshops are brief classes that provide quick tips for handling everyday parenting issues. Attend this FREE workshop to learn: ways to promote verbal and nonverbal communication skills of children with special needs, understand what repetitive questioning and echolalia are and how to encourage children other ways to communicate their needs. This Stepping Stones Triple P workshop is offered as part of the North Santa Cruz County SELPA Community Advisory Committee’s monthly meeting. No registration required. Light snacks provided. Please note: child care will not be available at this event. Presented in English by: Darlene Coronado, Triple P Practitioner For questions, contact the North Santa Cruz County SELPA Office at (831) 466-5700 or visit www.nsccselpa.org

Latch Clinic 9am-11am. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Lactation office 610 Frederick St. See September 5.

Orchard Circus Arts Class 3:30pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Orchard School. See Sept 11.

One-On-One Tech Tutoring 12pm-1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Aptos Library. See Sept 5.

Lego Club 3:30pm-5pm. Ongoing Tuesdays (except Sept 4). Felton Library and Boulder Creek Library. See Sept 11.

El Patio De Mi Casa 12pm-2pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See September 5.

Tales to Tails 4pm-5pm. Scotts Valley Library. See Sept 1.

Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See September 3.

Youth Coalition Meeting 5pm-6:30pm. Free. Ongoing Tuesdays. Resource Center for NonViolence. See September 4. Taco Tuesdays in Soquel 5pm-7:30pm. Anna Jean Cummings Park. Food trucks will be serving specialty tacos plus their signature dishes.

38 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018

Birth Center Tour 6:30pm. Free. Ongoing Tuesdays. Call to register. Dominican Hospital. See September 4. Divorced Fathers Network 7:30-8:30pm. Ongoing Tuesdays. Aptos La Selva Fire Dept. See September 4. wednesday, september 26 All Together Now! 9am-11am, Ongoing Wednesdays. Live Oak Family Resource Center. See September 5.

Bookshop Santa Cruz Story Time 10am. Ongoing Wednesdays. See September 5. New Moms Support Group 11:30am-1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Dominican Rehab Yoga/Pilates Room 610 Frederick St. See September 5. Triple P @ Together in the Park (drop-in playgroup) 10:30am-12 pm. Felton Covered Bridge Park. See September 5.

Dance for Parkinson’s 1pm. Ongoing Wednesdays except the first Wednesday of the month. Motion Pacific Dance. See September 12.


SEPTEMBER 2018

photo by: Kevin painchaud THE JUNIOR LIFEGUARD season has ended but you can see a video wrap up of it at the Growing Up in Santa Cruz website growingupsc.com and Facebook page. Santa Cruz Farmers Market 1pm-6pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Cedar and Lincoln St. See September 5. Branciforte Writers 4pm-6pm. 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Branciforte Library. See Sept 12. Female Survivor Support Group 6pm7:30pm. Ongoing Wednesdays. Monarch Services. See September 5. Reading in the Redwoods 6:15pm-7:30pm. 4th Wednesday. Felton Library. 427-7708. To be added to our bookgroup email list, please call 831-427-3151. Adults with ADHD Meeting 6:30-8pm. 4th Wednesdays. Aptos Fire Station, 6934 Soquel Drive, Aptos. The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Branch of CHADD hosts monthly support group meetings. Contact Judy Brenis at jbbrenis@comcast.net or call 818-9619. Bernice Yeung: In A Day’s Work: The Fight to End Sexual Violence Against America’s Most Vulnerable Workers 7pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz. In A Day’s Work tells a story of resistance, introducing a group of courageous allies who challenge dangerous and discriminatory workplace conditions alongside aggrieved workers – and win. thursday, september 27 Coffee Talk Social Hour 9am-10am. Ongoing Thursdays. Downtown Library. See Sept 6. Food Addicts Anonymous Meeting 9am. Ongoing Thursdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church. See September 6. New Parents with Babies 4 Months to 9 Months 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays. Sutter Room at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center. See September 6. Working Together: Information Navigation 10am-11:30am. Ongoing Thursdays (except the 27th). Downtown Library. Baby Happy Hour at JuneBug’s Gym!! 12:15pm-1:15pm. Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. See September 3. Do-It-Yourself Crafts 3pm-4:30pm. Ongoing Thursdays. Boulder Creek Library. See Sept 6. Triple P 8-Week Group: For families with children 2-12 years old 5:30pm–7:30pm Ongoing Thursdays through October 18. Mountain Community Resources. See September 6.

Grupo Triple P de 8 Semanas: Para familias con niños 2 – 12 años 6pm–8pm. Cada jueves al 27 de septiembre, La Manzana Recursos Comunitarios, 18 W. Lake Ave, Sala E, Watsonville. Ver 6 del septiembre. Scotts Valley Genre Book Discussion Club 7pm-8:30pm. Last Thursday. Scotts Valley Library.

The One Day Ride-The Riverwalk, The Wilder Course and The Swanton Loop 9am11am. Lighthouse Bank. The courses are fully supported and designed to allow children and adults of all abilities to participate. https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/CA/ SantaCruz/RotaryRide

Downtown Santa Cruz Sidewalk Sales 9am-9pm. 4th weekend of the month through November. Pacific Avenue.

Open Gym at JuneBug’s Gym 9am-12 pm. Ongoing Saturdays. See September 1.

Mazel Tots Activities and Play 9:45am-11:15am. DeLaVeaga Park 850 Branciforte Drive. Free for kids 5 years and younger with their families. September’s theme is Sukkot—come out and have lots of fun with us! Family BBQ Picnic for Families with Children of All Ages will follow at 11:30am

friday, september 28 Downtown Santa Cruz Sidewalk Sales 9am9pm. 4th weekend of the month through November. Pacific Avenue. Shoppers – take advantage of great deals in a relaxing shopping environment!

Toddler Time 10am-11am. Ongoing Fridays except the 1st. Downtown Library. See Sept 14. Preschool Storytime 10am-11am. Ongoing Fridays except the 1st. Aptos Library. See Sept 14. Brown Bag Movie 10am-12pm. 4th Friday. La Selva Beach Library. Bring a snack and join us for a movie. Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1. Fun n’ Tumble Open Gym 12pm-3pm. Ongoing Fridays at JuneBugs Gym. See September 7. UCSC Farm and Garden Market Cart 12pm-6pm. Base of the UCSC Campus (corner of Bay and High St.). See September 7. Watsonville Farmers Market 2pm-7pm. Ongoing Fridays. Downtown Watsonville Plaza. See September 7. Make Night at the MAH: Flower Crowns 5pm-8pm. Ongoing Fridays. Santa Cruz MAH. See September 7. 2nd Annual Sunset Cruise on Board the O’Neill Sea Odyssey 4:45pm-7:15pm. Orchard School. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset sail and panoramic views along the Santa Cruz coastline aboard the O’Neill Sea Odyssey catamaran while re-connecting with current and former Orchard parents, faculty, alumni, and friends. saturday, september 29 Aptos Farmers Market 8am-2pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Cabrillo College. See September 1.

Scotts Valley Farmer’s Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. SV Community Center parking lot. See September 1. Westside Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Saturdays. Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr. Big Basin Founders’ Day and Redwood Jubilee 9am-8pm. Big Basin State Park. Celebrate our wild heritage with a melodrama, historic hikes and games for kids as we honor the visionaries, valued workers and visitors that have shaped the character of Big Basin over the past 100+ years. Downtown Santa Cruz Sidewalk Sales 9am-9pm. 4th weekend of the month through November. Pacific Avenue. Monterey Bay Birding Festival Family Fair 10am-5pm. Watsonville Civic Plaza. Enjoy learning about the hundreds of birds that share our home with live animals, arts, and crafts. Beginner and bilingual guided birding walks are offered. Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1. DIY Family Crafts 11am-4pm (Branciforte Library). 11am-1pm (Garfield Park Library). Ongoing Saturdays. Chess Instruction 2pm-3pm. Ongoing Saturdays except the first. Downtown Library. See Sept 8. Potluck Pajama Havdalah — In the Sukkah 6pm. Temple Beth El Aptos. We will begin with a potluck again this year, so bring something to share. We will be led in a Havdalah Service and song circle and there will be Sukkot children’s books for story time. Come celebrate with friends and make new ones! And don’t forget to wear pajamas! Live Music by Coast Ridge Ramblers 7:30pm-9:30pm. Abbott Square. sunday, september 30 Live Oak Farmers Market 9am-1pm. Ongoing Sundays. 15th and Eastcliff Dr.

Overeaters Anonymous 9:05am-10:15am. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Maternity & Surgical Center. See September 2.

Sunday Play at the MAH: Youth Rock Concert 11am-2pm. Ongoing Sundays. Santa Cruz MAH. See September 2. Redwood Grove Loop Walk 11am & 2pm. Ongoing Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Big Basin State Park. See Sept 1. Bachata by the Sea 1pm-3pm (picnic) 3pm4pm (class) 4pm-7pm (dancing). Ongoing Sundays. 106 Beach St. See September 2. Watsonville Nature Walks 1:30pm. Ongoing Sundays. Watsonville Nature Center (30 Harkins Slough Road). See September 2. Extra Large and the Joint Chiefs: Music at Skypark 2:30pm-6pm. Skypark in Scotts Valley. Enjoy music and food for the whole family while benefiting the music programs of our own public schools. Nar-Anon Family Groups 6:30pm-8:00pm. Ongoing Sundays. Sutter Room. Sutter Hospital, 2900 Chanticleer Avenue. See September 2.

GUiSC will attempt to update calendar listings as needed; however, it is the responsibility of the organization listed to provide updated information. GUiSC assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Readers are encouraged to check the accuracy of the information provided. Events that are free or cost less than $10 can be submitted for inclusion in the calendar. GUiSC does not guarantee that a submitted event will automatically be included. Preference is given for events of interest to children and/or parents. Calendar entries must be received by the 15th of the month prior to the month of the event. Send calendar entries via email to calendar@growingupsc.com. Photos can also be emailed to be considered for inclusion in the calendar. Calendar entries and photos will be selected by the Calendar Editor.

September 2018 • Growing Up In Santa Cruz 39


40 Growing Up In Santa Cruz • September 2018


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